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Uruguay are extremely strong in defense and they have the ability to play long-balls due to the presence of Edinson Cavani up front, making them a dominant team in South America. Being extremely good in the art of playing counter-attacking football, Uruguay successfully frustrate their opponents by defending deep in their area. In the 2014 FIFA World Cup, they were beaten 2-0 by Columbia in the Round of 16.
This year, they are expected to easily sail through the group stages as their opponents are not too strong.
Due to the absence of talented midfielders, the only worry for Uruguay will be the delivery of the perfect ball for their strikers to score from. On their day, Uruguay are a very formidable side, capable of knocking out any big team. Let us look at the 4 players that will make them a tough side to beat in the 2018 World Cup.
#4 Jose Maria Gimenez
Jose Maria Gimenez is normally deployed as a center-back. Gimenez is good in the air and dangerous in the opposition's penalty area during set pieces. He has got decent pace, is skilled in the art of tackling and is good at covering the ground quickly
Gimenez has formed a successful defensive partnership with Diego Godin, both for Atletico Madrid and Uruguay. He has represented Uruguay in 37 matches and has scored 4 goals. Being a young player, his experience will be tested in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Since Uruguay normally play counter-attacking football, it will be Gimenez's responsibility to provide stability to Uruguay's defence and make it extremely difficult for the opposing team to penetrate it.
#3 Edinson Cavani
Cavani is one of the best strikers in the world right now. Possessing incredible physical strength and height, he is probably the most intimidating striker for any defender to face.
Cavani is excellent in heading the ball, world-class in shielding the ball from the opposing team and has got all the traits which a poacher should have in his armoury. With the ability to shoot from long range, Cavani is an all-round striker. He has made 100 appearances and scored 42 goals for Uruguay.
Being a poacher, Uruguay will expect him to score a lot of goals for them in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His link-up play with Luis Suarez will be crucial for Uruguay to have a successful tournament in Russia.
#2 Diego Godin
Godin is physically strong, agile and has got excellent tackling skills. A leader of men, Godin is a committed player, ready to give his all in each and every game.
His work ethic, discipline and experience are second to none in the Uruguay team. Having represented his country in 116 games and scored 8 goals, Godin is the best player to lead Uruguay to success in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Godin will marshall the other defenders with perfection and prevent the opposing team from penetrating their defence. He will play a key role in helping Uruguay progress to the latter stages in Russia.
#1 Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez is probably one of the best and most controversial strikers in the world. A shrewd campaigner, Suarez is nimble-footed, strong, and an excellent finisher. Blessed with excellent stamina, he has the ability to keep on pressing the defenders for the entire 90 minutes.
He can be a threat to the opposition, both inside the penalty area as well as outside. Suarez was an influential part of the Barcelona team which went unbeaten for almost the entire La Liga season. Being a prolific goal-scorer for Uruguay, Suarez has struck 50 goals in 97 matches for them.
Uruguay's fate in Russia will depend on the number of goals Suarez scores in the tournament.
