Uruguay are set to make the trip to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup with hopes of replicating the glory of years gone by.
This, of course, comes with the Celeste remaining one of the most successful nations in the history of international football’s most prestigious tournament.
The South American giants are one of only six nations to have lifted the World Cup trophy on more than one occasion, alongside Brazil, Germany, Italy, France and Argentina.
Such an outcome, in all reality, though, looks frankly out of the question. Uruguay’s last triumph on the grandest stage came over 70 years ago, in 1950. And the decades since have only seen the one-time perennial contenders slip further adrift of the globe’s best.
This is not to say, however, that Diego Alonso’s squad does not boast an impressive array of high-profile names.
Expected to board the country’s flight to the middle east next month are the likes of Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, Federico Valverde, Lucas Torreira, Rodrigo Bentancur, Darwin Nunez, Diego Godin and Jose Maria Gimenez.
Crucially, on the big occasions, when tasked with competing with taking on the might of Brazil and Argentina, though, Alonso’s men fell flat. All told, across four meetings with South America’s two standout sides, the Celeste slipped to four defeats, notching a solitary goal whilst conceding a hefty 10.
Such woes, it goes without saying, do not bode at all well for a nation preparing to take on the very best from across the globe.
Nevertheless, with experience on their side, and the Korea Republic and Ghana to vie it out with for what will likely be the runners-up spot behind Portugal in Group H, Uruguay will head into November’s showpiece with sights set firmly on a place in the World Cup knockout rounds.
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Uruguay World Cup 2022 Tips
Read the latest Uruguay odds ahead of the World Cup, including their odds to win the tournament, odds to claim the golden boot, 101 Great Goals’ top tip and more 2022 World Cup predictions and tips.
Uruguay World Cup Predictions
World Cup betting tips
With some seriously talented players at their disposal, Uruguay have enough to scare any side but it is unlikely they will have enough in their armoury to go all the way.
Uruguay Golden Boot Prediction
World Cup betting tips
Things haven’t gone to plan for Nunez at Liverpool just yet since his summer arrival from Benfica, but he has shown enough glimpses to make everyone think that there is serious potential there. Although his strike partner Luis Suarez may be getting on a bit, they could form a potent partnership and threaten any defence in the tournament.
Manager
Diego Alonso
The man tasked with leading the Uruguayan charge in the Middle East next month comes in the form of Diego Alonso.
The one-time Celeste international was appointed to his post in December of last year, on the back of spells in charge of the likes of Penarol, Monterrey and, most recently, Inter Miami.
This means that, for the first time in well over a decade, Oscar Tabarez will not be in the dugout when Uruguay kick their World Cup campaign into gear against the Korea Republic.
Alonso’s time at the helm of his home country has thus far proven altogether encouraging, with the 47-year-old having overseen a total of six wins from eight.
This includes a run of four straight victories to open his stint, enough for La Celeste to book what had at one point looked an unlikely spot in Qatar.
When it comes to the former striker’s tactical outlook, Alonso has enjoyed success making use of both a flat 4-4-2 and more fluid 4-3-3 since stepping up to the international stage.
His decision on formation at the World Cup proper will therefore likely be dependent on opponent, and how best to attack the spaces in the backlines of all of Portugal, Ghana and the Korea Republic.
Record
Total appearances: 13
First qualification: 1930
Most recent: 2018
Best achievement: Winners (1930, 1950)
World Ranking: 14
Overall record: P56, W24, D12, L20
Key players
Federico Valverde
Whilst so many rival countries bound for Qatar this winter will make the trip with a clear-cut ‘star performer’ amongst their ranks, Uruguay will do so with the same responsibility shared.
It could well be argued that, owing to his remarkable recent growth and long overdue recognition, Federico Valverde now represents the most important player in Diego Alonso’s ranks.
Real Madrid’s gifted midfielder has proven himself to be one of the first names on the team sheet for Carlo Ancelotti’s all-conquering European champions for some time now, with his tenacity and never-say-die attitude a further testament to Valverde’s ever-improving leadership qualities.
When it comes to sheer star power amongst the Celeste setup, though, it is difficult to look beyond Luis Suarez, now plying his trade back in his home country with Nacional.
And yet, as alluded to above, a number of other names are too worth taking note of, including veteran pair Edinson Cavani and Diego Godin, as well as big-money Liverpool hitman Darwin Nunez.
Perhaps this will prove Uruguay’s biggest strength this winter – a collective attitude, rather than one overly focused on the individual.
101′s Uruguay World Cup Tip
Of the 32 countries primed to take their place at the latest edition of international football’s biggest competition, Uruguay are currently viewed as 12th favourites to go all the way.
Of course, in all reality, the Celeste are highly unlikely to add what would prove a groundbreaking third World Cup trophy to their silverware cabinet in Qatar.
Instead, we at 101 predict a likely last-16 exit for the South American giants this winter.
Dependent on the luck of the draw, though, Diego Alonso and company marching on to the quarter-finals should not be ruled out, with the Uruguayans having managed as much back in 2018, courtesy of a surprise Last-16 triumph over upcoming group stage opponents Portugal.
101’s Top Tip
Uruguay stats, fixtures and results
Follow our Uruguay page for the latest statistics, live odds, fixtures, results and match facts of every game at the World Cup.
