World Cup 2018: 5 South American teams who could win in Russia

#2 Uruguay

Uruguay have a well balanced team

It's a common mistake to think Uruguay is reliant on the attacking duo of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani being in form to stand any chance of doing well in the World Cup.

However Uruguay are a much more well rounded side, they have a solid defense and a good balance in midfield which can protect the back line and supplement the attack.

With Atletico Madrid center backs Diego Godin and Jose Maria Gimenez, La Celeste have already inherited two defenders who have the understanding and relationship developed at club level under guidance of their head coach Diego Simeone.

They have become part of one of the most formidable defenses in all of Europe at club level. Godin is also a threat from set-pieces, as he showed in the 2014 World Cup when he scored the winning goal, a header from a corner, which knocked out Italy in the group stages and took Uruguay to the knockout round.

Uruguay posses an impressive midfield with Matias Vecino and Lucas Torreira, two hugely talented players that can combine both a defensive instinct with creativity in attack. Vecino is a skillful midfielder who can provide a threat from deep, whilst Torreira has brilliant close control and ball carrying ability as well as being strong in the tackle.

This could provide a balanced midfield that can protect an already impressive back line, but also supplement Suarez and Cavani in attack.

Uruguay have been placed in Group A along with Russia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Despite Russia being the hosts and Egypt possessing one of the more in form players in the world right now, Mohamed Salah, Uruguay should have no trouble getting through this group. Such is their formidable back line and potent attacking duo.