FWC-Uruguay
Uruguay:-
“Los Charrúas” certainly have most of the elements required to try and emulate (if not better!) their run from the 2010 WC. However, their dismal qualifying campaign should remind them that it won’t be at all easy!
Starting from the back, Diego Lugano’s experience is vital for Uruguay’s defensive stability; however, his age (33) has slowed him down over the years and has caused them problems many times. While Diego Godín has certainly taken his game to a completely new level ever since the 2010 WC, he does not seem to have formed a harmonious relationship with Lugano at the heart of their defense.
It is this lack of chemistry and proper understanding between the 2 CBs that has seen Uruguay ship-in 37 goals from a total of 29 games over the last 2 years or so; and, excluding friendlies, their GCPG ratio increases to 1.5!
Let’s take that number into perspective a little bit:-
Q: How many teams have been able to win the WC with an average GCPG ratio of 1.5 or higher?
A: Only one! Namely, West Germany in 1954 (GCPG 2.4); HOWEVER, that is mainly because:-
They lost by 8-3 in their second group-stage match against Ferenc Puskás’ and Sándor Kocsis’ Hungary side; who, incidentally, STILL hold the record for the most goals scored (27), highest average GSPG (5.4), highest goal difference (+17) AND highest average GDPG (3.2) in ONE single WC tournament.
Therefore, it is safe to say that it is almost impossible for ANY team to win the WC all the while shipping-in AT LEAST more than one goal in every match they play. Which is why Uruguay’s entire backline (especially the CBs) have to “up” their game considerably and Coach Óscar Tabárez MUST enforce a higher sense of commitment among them.
Uruguay’s SBs are very much similar to Spain’s ones in their tendency to surge forward and offer their wide men support on the flanks; therefore, the remaining CBs and the DMs must make sure that they cover any gaps left on those sides of the pitch.
Midfield-wise, coach Tabárez favors a pivot of 2 defensive midfielders lined-up behind one central/offensive midfield player who would “run the show” when given the ball. Uruguay have no shortage in talent and/or experience in midfield; but, again, the lack of understanding between them often causes them problems when attempting to go forward (collectively).
In terms of Uruguay’s attacking approach, coach Tabárez is an ardent fan of proper counter-attacking football, and given the sheer strength and pace his offensive players possess, it is hard to argue against opting for such a strategy. The balance starts from the back (hence the aforementioned pivot!), where the defenders and their fellow DMs will look to sit back and invite the opposition into their own half before attempting to retain possession and “let loose” their wide men on ultra-fast counters.
Individually speaking, Uruguay boast one of THE best (in terms of talent, experience and footballing attributes) squads in regards to most areas of the pitch; however, as a team, they have not found the right rhythm over the last 2 years and much of their WC success will depend on reversing that fact!
Main man: Luis Suárez: Love him or hate him, Suarez’s mere presence on the pitch elevates Uruguay’s game to a much higher level! His incredible technique, one-of-a-kind eye for goal, unbelievable power and general all-round play all make him THE top candidate to take Uruguay far into this competition!
Odds (average from top 24 betting firms): 28.73913
“Los Charrúas” certainly have most of the elements required to try and emulate (if not better!) their run from the 2010 WC. However, their dismal qualifying campaign should remind them that it won’t be at all easy!
Starting from the back, Diego Lugano’s experience is vital for Uruguay’s defensive stability; however, his age (33) has slowed him down over the years and has caused them problems many times. While Diego Godín has certainly taken his game to a completely new level ever since the 2010 WC, he does not seem to have formed a harmonious relationship with Lugano at the heart of their defense.
It is this lack of chemistry and proper understanding between the 2 CBs that has seen Uruguay ship-in 37 goals from a total of 29 games over the last 2 years or so; and, excluding friendlies, their GCPG ratio increases to 1.5!
Let’s take that number into perspective a little bit:-
Q: How many teams have been able to win the WC with an average GCPG ratio of 1.5 or higher?
A: Only one! Namely, West Germany in 1954 (GCPG 2.4); HOWEVER, that is mainly because:-
They lost by 8-3 in their second group-stage match against Ferenc Puskás’ and Sándor Kocsis’ Hungary side; who, incidentally, STILL hold the record for the most goals scored (27), highest average GSPG (5.4), highest goal difference (+17) AND highest average GDPG (3.2) in ONE single WC tournament.
Therefore, it is safe to say that it is almost impossible for ANY team to win the WC all the while shipping-in AT LEAST more than one goal in every match they play. Which is why Uruguay’s entire backline (especially the CBs) have to “up” their game considerably and Coach Óscar Tabárez MUST enforce a higher sense of commitment among them.
Uruguay’s SBs are very much similar to Spain’s ones in their tendency to surge forward and offer their wide men support on the flanks; therefore, the remaining CBs and the DMs must make sure that they cover any gaps left on those sides of the pitch.
Midfield-wise, coach Tabárez favors a pivot of 2 defensive midfielders lined-up behind one central/offensive midfield player who would “run the show” when given the ball. Uruguay have no shortage in talent and/or experience in midfield; but, again, the lack of understanding between them often causes them problems when attempting to go forward (collectively).
In terms of Uruguay’s attacking approach, coach Tabárez is an ardent fan of proper counter-attacking football, and given the sheer strength and pace his offensive players possess, it is hard to argue against opting for such a strategy. The balance starts from the back (hence the aforementioned pivot!), where the defenders and their fellow DMs will look to sit back and invite the opposition into their own half before attempting to retain possession and “let loose” their wide men on ultra-fast counters.
Individually speaking, Uruguay boast one of THE best (in terms of talent, experience and footballing attributes) squads in regards to most areas of the pitch; however, as a team, they have not found the right rhythm over the last 2 years and much of their WC success will depend on reversing that fact!
Main man: Luis Suárez: Love him or hate him, Suarez’s mere presence on the pitch elevates Uruguay’s game to a much higher level! His incredible technique, one-of-a-kind eye for goal, unbelievable power and general all-round play all make him THE top candidate to take Uruguay far into this competition!
Odds (average from top 24 betting firms): 28.73913
Ahmad Al-Omar - 10. Jun, 09:10
