Uruguay Analysis

Uruguay managed to seal second place in CONMEBOL qualifiers, even though they didn’t have Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani at their disposal in all matches.

 

TThe team has experienced some small changes in terms of formation that was used and starting line-ups, after successful CONMEBOL. Different options were tried out in midfield, as they switched between 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 formation. But, it seems like Tabarez has already chosen his starting XI.

  1. One of the main characteristics since Tabarez took the team under his guidance is tight defensive organization that is hard to penetrate, whether they played in the system with 3 or 4 players at the back. Most players from starting line up play together for some time, so they developed good level of understanding. Especially at the back, as Godin and Jimenez both play for Atletico Madrid.
      Their style of play is direct and it consists of quick combination through the middle, as they rely on link up play between Cavani and Suarez in 2/3.
  2. Runs in behind the defensive line to receive passes from deep is something that forwards frequently do, as both centre-backs are comfortable in possession and will send those long balls as soon as opportunity arises. After winning second balls, these runs of theirs proved to be a big threat for the opposition.

The biggest weakness of the team is defensive transition. Opponents have managed to create 7 goal scoring opportunities through counter-attacks, with 6 of them being organized down Uruguay’s left flank. When they attack through overloaded side, far sided full-back moves inside to have better control of ball circulation and of opponent’s counter-attacks through the middle.