烏拉圭
How they qualified
Fifth in their regional group, missing out on an automatic spot to Ecuador on goal difference, losing five times in 16 games despite Luis Suárez's 11 goals. They rallied superbly to marmalise Jordan 5-0 in Amman in the intercontinental play-off and lit their cigars for a 0-0 stroll in the second leg.
World Cup high
Won the first tournament in 1930, though only needed four games to do so, then memorably pooped Brazil’s party in 1950 by winning again. There was no final that year only a four team group which Brazil needed a point to win and Uruguay a victory, which they duly achieved, winning 2-1 from 1-0 down with 25 minutes to play in front of 199,000 home fans in the Maracana.
World Cup low
Given their history of rugged play it would not seem like a low to them but their bone-shuddering assault on Scotland in 1986 was disgraceful.
Familiar faces
Diego Lugano (West Bromwich Albion), Gastón Ramirez (Southampton), Suárez, Sebastián Coates (both Liverpool).
The manager
óscar Wáshington Tabárez, ‘El Maestro’, loved by pragmatists and pseuds alike, is seven years into his second spell with the national team and has been successful with his rejuvenation, reviving the gritty spirit of Uruguayan football for a generation of stellar products of the youth system, reaching the semi-finals in 2010 and winning the Copa America a year later.
How in danger is he?
Beginning to face criticism at home for rigidity, showing too much loyalty to veteran players and arch conservatism but gratitude still outweighs the gripes. 4/10
Most likely to light up Brazil
One is tempted to say Edinson Cavani and save you know who for the bad boy category below but the truth is Suárez may be a horrible person but he is a magnificently skilful, artful and clever player, with 39 goals from 76 caps.
Most likely to be sent home in disgrace
Racially abusing an opponent, twice biting an opponent, agitating behind the scenes and with opportune leaks to newspapers for transfers away from clubs who have done nothing but stand up for him. Guess who?
Title odds: 28/1
The stereotype is …
Grim-faced assassins with skill who will do anything to win. If you want to fight, they’ll fight you. If you want to play, they’ll fight you, then play you.
The reality is ...
With a front three of Cavani, Suárez and Diego Forlan they possess formidable attacking power but lack midfield ingenuity and the pace at the back to cope with serious flyers.
What they’re known for?
Fray Bentos 41 per cent
Birds 26 per cent
Graff Spree 18 per cent
Blueberries 15 per cent
How Brazilian are they?
Flair of Brazilians plus ruthlessness of the Italians = Uruguay.
How Google translates the national anthem
Liberty, East Liberty! This cry to the Homeland saved. That their braves in fierce battles from sublime enthusiasm inflamed.
Duration
The longest in the world, swooping and soaring operatically for 4 min 55 sec. The music is so perfectly Italian the words being in Spanish come as a surprise.
How to dress like their fans
Sky blue shirts, the usual faces daubed up as flags, comedy top hats with proudly, beaming sun emblems, the kind you would see on T-shirts at 5am in a Hampshire field during a Sunrise rave in 1989.
Commentator's go-to stat
In 2010 Uruguay overtook bitter rivals Argentina after a 40-year reign as the highest per capita global beef consumers at 58.2kg per person each year.
Australia had a bumpy ride through the Asian qualifying groups, losing to Oman and Jordan, En route to finishing second behind Japan to seal a world cup place. >詳細>>
