Uruguay World Cup Fixtures, Squad, Group, Guide

Uruguay have been eliminated from the 2018 World Cup.

Uruguay 0 vs France 2 – Quarter Final, 6th July, Nizhny Novgorod 15.00

Match preview here.

Uruguay Starting XI: 1 Fernando Muslera, 2 Jose Gimenez, 3 Diego Godin, 6 Rodrigo Bentancur (7 Cristian Rodriguez 59), 8 Nahitan Nandez (20 Jonathan Urretaviscaya 73), 9 Luis Suarez, 11 Cristian Stuani (18 Maxi Gomez 59), 14 Lucas Torreira, 15 Matias Vecino, 17 Diego Laxalt, 22 Martin Caceres

France Starting XI: 1 Hugo Lloris, 2 Benjamin Pavard, 4 Raphael Varane, 5 Samuel Umtiti, 6 Paul Pogba, 7 Antoine Griezmann (16 Nabil Fekir 90+3), 9 Olivier Giroud, 10 Kylian Mbappe (11Ousmane Dembele 88), 12 Corentin Tolisso (15 Steven Nzonzi 80), 13 N’Golo Kante, 21 Lucas Hernandez

Nizhny Novgorod

Uruguay 0 France 2

Scorers:

France: Varane 40, Griezmann 61

Match overview

France, with goals from Raphael Varane and Antoine Griezmann, edged past Uruguay to reach the semi-finals for the sixth time in their history.

The French rarely got out of second gear, but then they did not need to. Without injured striker Edinson Cavani, Uruguay’s plan was to close France down, restrict their movement and passing, and hope for a chance at a set-piece. Unfortunately, it was France who took their chance at a set-piece. After Rodrigo Bentancur’s foul on Corentin Tolisso, Griezmann played in a free-kick for Varane to open the scoring.

Uruguay were forced to chase the game but any chance of a revival evaporated when keeper Fernando Muslera fluffed Griezmann’s shot for France’s second goal.

Matter of fact

Uruguay received more bookings (two, for Rodrigo Bentancur and Cristian Rodriguez) than the one (also for Bentancur) in all of their previous four matches.

Talking point

Uruguay were angered by supposed play-acting by Kylian Mbappe, who fell to the ground after substitute Cristian Rodriguez had kicked out at him in frustration at the teenager’s earlier showboating. 

Stats

Possession (%): 42/58

Goal attempts: 11/11

Attempts on target: 6/7

Corners: 4/3

Fouls: 17/15

Pass accuracy (%): 67/81

Distance covered (km): 103/99

Uruguay vs Portugal – Round of 16 Match Report

Match preview here.

Uruguay Starting XI: 1 Fernando Muslera, 2 Jose Gimenez, 3 Diego Godin, 6 Rodrigo Bentancur (7 Cristian Rodrigues 63), 8 Nahitan Nandez (5 Carlos Sanchez 81), 9 Luis Suarez, 14 Lucas Torreira, 15 Matias Vecino, 17 Diego Laxalt, 21 Edinson Cavani (11 Cristhian Stuani 74), 22 Martin Caceres

Portugal Starting XI: 1 Rui Patricio, 3 Pepe, 5 Raphael Guerreiro, 6 Jose Fonte, 7 Cristiano Ronaldo, 10 Joao Mario (4 Manuel Fernandes 84), 11 Bernardo Silva, 14 William Carvalho, 15 Ricardo Pereira, 17 Goncalo Guedes (9 Andre Silva 74), 23 Adrien Silva (20 Ricardo Quaresma 65)

Sochi 

Uruguay 2 France 1

Scorers

Uruguay: Cavani 7, 62

Portugal: Pepe 55

Match overview

Edinson Cavani scored two outstanding goals as Uruguay claimed their place in the quarter-finals and sent European champions Portugal out of the tournament.

Uruguay took an early lead after brilliant combination play between Cavani and his strike partner Luis Suarez and the two forwards worked hard throughout to secure Uruguay’s victory.

Portugal began the second half with more purpose and Pepe’s equaliser was the first goal conceded by Uruguay in the tournament. It prompted Portugal’s best spell of the game but Uruguay regained their compact shape and Cavani added a brilliant second goal before limping off with a hamstring problem.

Uruguay defended their lead stoically and Portugal’s substitutes could not find a way through.

Matter of fact

This was the first time Uruguay had won their opening four games at a World Cup since 1930, when their fourth win was in the Final.

At 35 years and 124 days, Pepe became Portugal’s oldest goalscorer in a major tournament.

Talking point

Cristiano Ronaldo once again failed to score a goal in a World Cup knockout stage game. He did not have a single touch of the ball inside the area in the first half while his only shot on target in the entire game came in the second minute, when his low effort from distance was straight at Fernando Muslera.

Stats

Uruguay/Portugal

Possession (%): 39/61

Goal attempts: 6/20

Attempts on target: 2/7

Corners: 2/10

Fouls: 13/13

Pass accuracy (%): 69/84

Distance covered (km): 106/107

Uruguay vs Russia (25th June) Match Report

Match preview here. 

Uruguay Starting XI: 1 Fernando Muslera, 3 Diego Godin, 6 Rodrigo Betancur (10 Giorgian De Arrascaeta 63), 8 Nahitan Nandez (7 Cristian Rodriguez 73), 9 Luis Suarez, 14 Lucas Torreira, 15 Mateo Vecino, 17 Diego Laxalt, 19 Sebastian Coates, 21 Edinson Cavani (18 Maxi Gomez 90+4), 22 Martin Caceres

Russia Starting XI: 1 Igor Akinfeev, 3 Ilya Kutepov, 4 Igor Ignashevich, 6 Denis Cheryshev (2 Mario Fernandes 38), 8 Yury Gazinsky (7 Daler Kuzyayev 46), 11 Roman Zobnin, 13 Fyodor Kudriashov, 15 Ali Miranchuk (10 Fyodor Smolov 60), 19 Aleksandr Samedov, 22 Artem Dzyuba, 23 Igor Smolnikov

Samara

Uruguay 3 Russia 0

Scorers

Uruguay: Suarez 10, Cheryshev 23og, Cavani 90

Russia: none

Match overview

After edging out lesser opponents in Egypt and Saudi Arabia in their opening two games, Uruguay turned on the style to beat hosts Russia and top their group. It was a more attacked-minded performance from Uruguay, who were helped by the first-half sending-off of Igor Smolnikov.

According to the official figures, Russia covered 98km, compared to 118km and 115km in their first two games

Matter of fact

The 3-0 scoreline was Russia’s biggest World Cup defeat.

Talking point

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez made changes to his starting line-up, brining in a more attack-minded left-back in Doego Laxalt as well as midfielder Lucas Torreira, with Martin Caceres moving to right-back. Laxalt scored Uruguay’s second goal and was fouled by Igor Smolnikov for the Russian’s second yellow card.

Stats

Uruguay/Russia

Possession (%): 56/44

Goal attempts: 17/3

Attempts on target: 6/1

Corners: 4/2

Fouls: 17/18

Pass accuracy (%): 86/82

Distance covered (km): 101/98

Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia – (20th June) Match Report

Match preview here.

Uruguay Starting XI: 1 Fernando Muslera, 2 Jose Gimenez, 3 Diego Godin, 4 Guillermo Varela, 5 Carlos Sanchez (8 Nahitan Nandez 82), 6 Rodrigo Bentancur, 7 Cristian Rodriguez (17 Diego Laxalt 59), 9 Luis Suarez, 15 Matias Vecino (14 Lucas Torreira 59), 21 Edinson Cavani, 22 Martin Caceres

Saudi Arabia Starting XI: 22 Mohammed Al-Owais, 3 Osama Hawsawi, 4 Ali Al Bulaihi, 6 Mohamed Al Brek, 7 Salman Al Faraj, 9 Hatan Bahebri (12 Mohamed Kanno 76), 13 Yasser Al Sharani, 14 Abdullah Otayf, 17 Taisir Al Jassim (17 Housein Al Hogahwi 44), 18 Salem Al Dawsari, 19 Fahad Al Muwallad (10 Mohhamad Al Sahlawi 78)

Rostov-on-Don

Uruguay 1 Saudi Arabia 0

Scorers:

Uruguay: Suarez 23

Saudi Arabia: none

Match overview

Uruguay joined Russia in the knockout stages after grinding out a result against Saudi Arabia, who restored some pride after being hammered in their opening game. Luis Suarez took the one opportunity that came his way but it was not the rout that many had predicted.

Saudi Arabia were much improved from the team that had surrendered five goals to Russia five days earlier. But while they were tidy in possession, they rarely came close to threatening the Uruguayan goal.

Luis Suarez scores against Saudi Arabia (Getty Images)

Matter of fact

Luis Suarez won his 100th cap and became the first Uruguayan player to score at three World Cups (2010, 2014 & 2018)..

Talking point

Saudi coach Juan Antonio Pizzi rang the changes after the opening-game hammering by Russia, making four changes to his starting line-up. Their general performance was much better but inexperienced keeper Mohammed Al-Owais, who came in for Abdullah Al-Mayouf, was at fault for Suarez’s goal.

Stats

Uruguay/Saudi Arabia

Possession (%): 47/53

Goal attempts: 13/8

Attempts on target: 6/3

Corners: 3/4

Fouls: 10/13

Pass accuracy (%): 85/84

Distance covered (km): 101/100

Uruguay vs Egypt (15th June) Match Report

Match Preview Available here

Uruguay Starting XI: 1 Fernando Muslera, 2 Jose Gimenez, 3 Diego Godin, 4 Guillermo Varela, 6 Rodrigo Betancur, 8 Nahitan Nandez (5 Carlos Sanchez 58), 9 Luis Suarez, 10 Giorgian De Arrascaeta (7 Cristian Rodriguez 59), 15 Matias Vecino (14 Lucas Torreira 87), 21 Edinson Cavani, 22 Martin Caceres

Egypt Starting XI: 23 Mohamed El-Shenawy, 2 Ali Gabr, 6 Ahmed Hegazy, 7 Ahmed Fathi, 8 Tarek Hamed (5 Sam Morsy 50), 9 Marwan Mohsen (11 Kahraba 63), 13 Mohamed Abdelshafy, 17 Mohamed Elneny, 19 Abdalla Said, 21 Trezeguet, 22 Amr Warda (14 Ramadan Sobhi 82)

Ekaterinburg Arena

URUGUAY 1  EGYPT 0

Scorers:

Uruguay: Gimenez 89

Egypt: none

Match overview

Uruguay won their opening game at the World Cup for first time since 1970  despite being lacklustre in attack for most of the game. Luis Suarez looked below-par throughout, putting an excellent first-half chance from a corner into the side netting, while his strike partner Edinson Cavani saw two efforts saved, first by Egyptian keeper Mohamed El-Shenawy and then by a post. Instead it was a defender, Jose Gimenez, who made the late breakthrough for Uruguay, as Egypt, who had done enough to earn a point, took their eye off the ball.

Jose Maria Gimenez scores the decisive goal against Egypt (Getty Images)

Talking point

Mohammed Salah, injured in the Champions League Final for Liverpool against Real Madrid, failed to recover in time to play in Egypt’s opening game. His presence would have given the Egyptians a much greater threat in attack and forced Uruguay on to the back foot.  

Stats

Egypt/Uruguay

Possession (%): 43/57

Goal attempts: 8/14

Attempts on target: 3/6

Corners: 0/5

Fouls: 12/6

Pass accuracy (%): 78/86

Distance covered (km): 107/106

Uruguay World Cup Guide

Uruguay started like a train and then came badly off the rails, with three defeats in the middle of a run of six games with just one win. But with a refreshed midfield they regained momentum and qualified for the 2018 World Cup in relative comfort.

Key Moments In Qualifying

Oct 2015
Despite the absence of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, they kick off with convincing wins away to Bolivia and at home to Colombia providing a morale-boosting start and a tribute to
the depth of the squad.
Nov 2015
Still without Suarez, Uruguay are ruthless in their use of set-pieces and with quick, direct attacks they chalk up a comfortable 3-0 win at home to continental champions Chile.
Mar 2017
A 2-1 loss to Peru is their third defeat in a row – and on each occasion they had taken the lead. The sudden lack of defensive steel looks a real problem, and it got worse in June’s friendlies when they lose 3-1 to the Republic of Ireland and 3-0 to Italy.
Sep 2017
A few days after a goalless draw with Argentina, in which Uruguay hardly crossed the halfway line, a 2-1 win away to Paraguay effectively seals qualification.

Uruguay World Cup Group

Uruguay round out Group A alongside Russia, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Uruguay World Cup Friendlies

Uruguay played a World Cup friendly against Uzbekistan which they won 3-0.

  • 8th June – Uzbekistan (won 3-0)

Uruguay World Cup Fixtures

Uruguay will open their World Cup account against the Mohamed Salah led Egyptian team on the 15th June. On the 20th June they will then play Saudi Arabia, and finally the hosts Russia on the 25th of June.

The Coach

Oscar Tabarez, age 70 (03.03.47)
Appointed for a second spell in charge in March 2006 and is approaching the end of what will surely be the last job of his career. Has put Uruguay back on the map, with his greatest achievement probably overseeing an enormously successful under-20 project.

Boss: In probably his last coaching job, Tabarez will look to go out with a bang (Getty Images)

The Players
Star
Skilful, dynamic and often controversial, Luis Suarez is the team’s main attacking weapon and their biggest hope of glory. The country’s all-time top goalscorer is preparing for his third World Cup – and the last he will play close to his peak years.
Stalwarts
Edinson Cavani was South America’s top scorer in qualification, leading the attacking line when Suarez was missing or playing alongside him and dropping deeper. Team captain Diego Godin is the respected organiser of the defensive line who, although he may be losing a little pace, remains a vital figure and scores important goals.
Missing
Just 32 players were used in qualification and most of the old guard are still in and around the squad, with the exception of injury-hit Alvaro Pereira.
Debuts
All-round midfielder Federico Valverde was promoted from the under-20 side, bringing quality and controlled possession, and helping to change the characteristics of the side. Along with Rodrigo Bentancur, he represents the start of a generational change.

Uruguay World Cup Squad

Final 23-man squad – 

GOALKEEPERS: Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray), Martin Silva (Vasco da Gama), Martin Campana (Independiente).

DEFENDERS: Diego Godin, Jose Maria Gimenez (both Atletico Madrid), Sebastian Coates (Sporting Lisbon), Maximiliano Pereira (Porto), Gaston Silva (Independiente), Martin Caceres (Lazio), Guillermo Varela (Penarol).

MIDFIELDERS: Nahitan Nandez (Boca Juniors), Lucas Torreira (Sampdoria), Matias Vecino (Inter Milan), Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus), Carlos Sanchez (Monterrey), Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Cruzeiro), Diego Laxalt (Genoa), Cristian Rodriguez (Penarol), Jonathan Urretaviscaya (Monterrey).

FORWARDS: Cristhian Stuani (Girona), Maximiliano Gomez (Celta Vigo), Edinson Cavani (Paris St-Germain), Luis Suarez (Barcelona).

Uruguay World Cup Injuries

We will update you with all the injuries regularly.

Uruguay qualified behind Brazil during qualification (Getty Images)

The Unanswered Questions

Who will supply Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani?
Oscar Tabarez finally seems to have given up on Gaston Ramirez as a playmaker, so it could fall to current favourite Giorgian De Arrascaeta to open up opposing defences.

Help: Both Cavani and Suarez will need some help in Russia (Getty Images)

Does the defensive unit lack pace?
There is certainly a fear that if the team push up then the defence can be by-passed too easily. Since the 4-1 home defeat by Brazil in March, Tabarez has not chosen Sebastian Coates alongside Diego Godin and has dropped holding midfielder Egidio Arevalo Rios.

Can Suarez get through a World Cup without picking up a suspension?
In 2010 he missed the semi-final after being sent off for his notorious handball against Ghana. Four years later he rushed back from injury to help Uruguay into the knockout stage but was thrown out of the competition for biting.

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