Copa America 2021 – Uruguay

31/05/21 1921

Uruguay need little introduction and they have been performing at the top of the international game for many years. La Celeste have been placed in a group with Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Bolivia.

Uruguay will fancy their chances of comfortably qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition and that is where things will get serious for Luis Suárez and company.

Uruguay have won the Copa America a record 15 times and will want to extend their lead over Argentina as the most successful nation in the history of the competition.

2019 Copa America

The 2019 Copa America started promisingly for Uruguay as they comfortably defeated Venezuela 4-0 in their opening group game of the tournament. Having been held to a 2-2 draw by Japan, Uruguay won their final match of the group against Chile 1-0 to finish top and progress to the quarter-final stage.

Uruguay came up against a determined Peru team and could not break them down, leading to extra-time and penalties. It was the Peruvians who came out on top, winning the shootout 5-4 to eliminate Uruguay.

Despite being the most successful nation in the history of the Copa America, Uruguay have failed to win the tournament since 2011 but like this event, that competition was held in Argentina.

Uruguay have since reached the quarter-finals on two occasions but were eliminated from the 2016 Copa America at the group stage.

Key Players

In terms of experience, the Uruguay squad are difficult to beat and they are led by Oscar Tabarez. He has been in charge of the team for over 200 matches and Uruguay have enjoyed some great results under the guidance of Tabarez. If it is hard work and commitment you want from a football team, look no further than Uruguay under Tabarez.

In terms of key players, there are some big names who are fast approaching the end of their career yet remain an important part of the Uruguay team.

Luis Suárez is a great example and the Atletico Madrid striker comes into the tournament on the back of a fantastic season in Spain having won the title. Suárez is the all-time leading goal scorer for Uruguay and will be joined in the squad by the man just behind him in that list, Edinson Cavani

Both players are unlikely to start every match in the group stage given their combined age of 68 but when they do play, expect to see them among the goals.

Central defender Diego Godín is the most capped player in the history of the Uruguayan national team and he continues to captain the side. Godín will be partnered by his former Atletico Madrid teammate, José María Giménez in central defence. Goalkeeper Fernando Muslera has over 100 caps to his name.

Chances

There is no doubt this Uruguay team can make it to the knockout stages of the 2021 Copa America and make it difficult for any team they face in the tournament. Uruguay have the talent and experience to reach at least the semi-final of the Copa America and if they can keep their key players fit, there is no reason why they cannot win the competition.