Uruguay has endured repeated embarrassments in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers. The team will seek out some degree of redemption when during the Confederations Cup this summer. Here is an analysis of the team's roster and Uruguay's chances to make a deep run in the tournament.
GOALKEEPERS: Muslera (Galatasaray-TUR), Silva (Olímpia-PAR), Muñoz (Libertad-PAR), Castillo (Danúbio-URU)
Muslera has been the number one keeper for this team since the last World Cup and has steadily improved with Turkish side Galatasaray. The 26 year-old is likely to get the start in goal when the team takes on Spain in its first match.
DEFENDERS: Scotti (Nacional-URU), Valdez (Peñarol-URU), Lugano (Málaga-ESP), Godin (Atlético Madrid-ESP), Coates (Liverpool-ING), Cáceres (Juventus-ITA), Aguirregaray (Peñarol-URU), Maxi Pereira (Benfica-POR), Álvaro Pereira (Internazionale-ITA)
Godin, Lugano, and Maxi Pereira have been the stars of this defense for years. However, the trio has performed poorly in World Cup qualifiers and will need to improve to keep their spots for the upcoming round of qualifications. Godin and Pereira are still in their prime while Lugano is starting to creep past his best years. Caceres and Alvaro Pereira should provide the team with another strong option on the backend.
MIDFIELDERS: Alejandro Silva (Olímpia-PAR), Alvaro González, (Lazio-ITA), Arévalo Rios (Palermo-ITA), Diego Pérez (Bologna-ITA), Gargano (Internazionale-ITA), Eguren (Libertad-PAR), Cristian Rodríguez (Atlético MadriD-ESP), Ramírez (Southampton-ING), Lodeiro (Botafogo), Castro (Real Sociedad-ESP)
Uruguay's midfield is filled with players competing in Europe. However, none of them are bonafide superstars. Gargano, Lodeiro, Gonzalez, and Perez have all gotten substantial time in the past. This area seems to be the biggest question mark for Uruguay.
FORWARDS: Luis Suárez (Liverpool-ENG), Cavani(Napoli-ITA), Abel Hernández (Palermo-ITA), Forlán (Internacional), Stuani (Espanyol-ESP)
If the midfield is Uruguay's question mark, then the forward position is its greatest asset. Suarez is unquestionably one of the best strikers in the world while Forlan provides a solid option if he manages to recapture his 2010 World Cup form. Cavani is another strong addition to Uruguay's forward group.
Group Standing
Uruguay has played poorly in recent months, but was lucky to be placed into the more favorable group. Instead of competing against Brazil, Mexico, Japan, and Italy, Uruguay will have to contend with Spain, Tahiti, and Nigeria. Spain will likely take the group, but Uruguay should not have trouble with Tahiti or Nigeria. They should finish anywhere between second or third place in the group.
Prediction: Uruguay continues its inconsistent play and winds up third in the group.
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