Uruguay look to improve after unsuccessful outings at the Copa America tournaments since the last World Cup.
They are favourites to finish on top of their group and with a handful of stars on the other side of age 30, they will want to make a run while they can.
Uruguay World Cup Betting Markets
Stage of Elimination
- Group Stage @ $5.00
- Round of 16 @ $2.10
- Quarter Final @ $4.00
- Semi Final @ $8.00
- Runners Up @ $15.00
- Winners @ $26.00
Draw
Group:
Uruguay have been drawn in Group A alongside Russia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt
Opponents:
Record vs Egypt – W: 1, D: 0, L: 0
Last Meeting – 16 August 2006: Uruguay def Egypt 2-0
Record vs Saudi Arabia – W: 0, D: 1, L: 1
Last Meeting – 10 October 2014: Uruguay drew with Saudi Arabia 1-1
Record vs Russia – W: 0, D: 1, L: 0
Last Meeting – 25 May 2012: Uruguay drew with Russia 1-1
Schedule:
Friday 15th June – 10:00pm – Uruguay vs Egypt
Thursday 21st June – 1:00am – Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia
Tuesday 26th June – 12:00 – Uruguay vs Russia
Group Ranking:
Uruguay are the most talented side in Group A and are favourites to take it out.
Taking out that top spot will be very important to avoid whichever side finishes on top of Group B in the early knockout stage.
They will need to be on their guard in each game however as the other three sides will see any points they can pick off against Uruguay as a bonus.
Back Uruguay to Win Group A @ $1.80
World Cup History
Number of Appearances
12 – 1930, 1950, 1954, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1986, 1990, 2002, 2010, 2014
Best Performance
Champions (2 Times) – 1930 & 1950
Match Record & Goals Tally
Played: 51, Won: 20, Drawn: 12, Lost: 19
Scored: 81, Conceded: 70
2018 Qualifying Campaign
Made the World Cup by…
Uruguay finished second in CONEMBOL World Cup Qualifying giving them direct passage to Russia
Qualifying Record & Goals Tally
Played: 18, Won: 9, Drawn: 4, Lost: 5
Scored: 32, Conceded: 20
Story to Watch
Overall, Uruguay will be ecstatic with how their draw unfolded, drawing hosts Russia but avoiding playing them in the tournament opener.
Anything below topping this group will be seen as a disappointment for the two time champions however a tough outing in the first knockout stage will let them prove if they are a true contender or just another good side.
Uruguay 2018 World Cup Squad
GOALKEEPERS
Fernando Muslera, Martin Silva, Martin Campana
DEFENDERS
Diego Godin, Sebastian Coates, Jose Maria Gimenez, Maximiliano Pereira, Gaston Silva, Martin Caceres, Guillermo Varela
MIDFIELDERS
Nahitan Nandez, Lucas Torreira, Matias Vecino, Rodrigo Bentancur, Carlos Sanchez, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Diego Laxalt, Cristian Rodrigues, Jonathan Urretaviscaya
FORWARDS
Cristhian Stuani, Maximilliano Gomez, Edinson Cavani, Luis Suarez
Strengths
If you want players that are performing at the highest level, it is hard to go past the lethal strike duo of Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez, who will be carrying the goal scoring burden for Uruguay.
Cavani is coming off a 40 goal season for PSG while Suarez chipped in 31 goals for Barcelona.
Weakness
Uruguay’s side is very heavily weighted at opposite ends of the pitch and there are a few questions about how that midfield will function.
While some players come from the biggest clubs in the world, they will need to step up in this instance or find themselves exploited.
Notable Absentees
Uruguay’s side is one that does not have any major omissions from it as the best players are currently in camp.
Perhaps the only major names that are not there are Abel Hernandez from Hull and Diego Rolan from Malaga.
In the final cut the most recognisable name left out is former Southampton player Gaston Ramirez.
Key Player
Luis Suarez
One way or another, Luis Suarez seems destined to make headlines based on the precedent set in his two previous World Cup appearances.
He scored three goals in South Africa but was known more for his controversial handball in the quarter final against Ghana.
Four years ago his tournament was over at the group stage after biting Giorgio Chiellini and receiving a lengthy suspension after the match.
This time Uruguay will be hoping the only Suarez headlines relate to his goal scoring feats.
Back Luis Suarez as Top Goalscorer @ $26
Final Prediction
This is a side that, by and large, is very well balanced with plenty of potential.
Finishing on top of Group A is imperative for them as they seek a slightly easier knockout path starting with the runner up of Spain and Portugal.
PREDICTION: ROUND OF 16
Best Bet: Uruguay to Win Group A @ $1.80