Uruguay had little problem dealing with Mexico. What should USMNT expect from Edinson Cavani & Co.?
At the time of Diego Alonso Uruguay team to Glendale, Arizona, he reached some important conclusions about the balance of his side. After defeating Mexico 3-0 at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, La Celeste can now confidently proceed to the meeting on Sunday with USA in Kansas City, Kansas.
In two of the past three World Cups – statistically, at least – Uruguay has been the best team in South America, notable for its population of just 3.5 million. Being too small certainly limits their options; If they want to make the best use of their resources, they must strike the right collective balance. And over time, a wonderful group of veterans helped put Uruguay back in the top table of football after a period from 1994 to 2006, during which they failed to qualify for three of four World Cups. and was eliminated in the group stage in one go. qualified.
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In 2010, they finished fifth in the South American qualifiers and had to go through the playoffs to get to South Africa – where they announced their return to the major league in fourth place. Many of the players responsible for that remarkable run are still involved, but how should they handle it? Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani have made a great pair of strikers, but can the two still work together? And is 4-4-2 still the team’s best lineup?
Towards the end of his marathon reign, coach Oscar Washington Tabarez seemed to have decided it was time to move on. In the last nine World Cup qualifiers, only once has the team played with a 4-4-2 formation. Suarez and Cavani left the field together to Brazil, where Uruguay was fortunate to leave with a 4-1 defeat. In his place is Alonso – having just spent a futile term as Inter Miamibe the first coach – and turn back the clock. Uruguay were forced to win and their remaining games were relatively simple, so he reverted to a 4-4-2, pairing with Suarez or Cavani or with rising star Benfica. Darwin Nunez.
Three wins in a row took the team over the edge and interestingly with a secure spot in Qatar, Alonso tried something different in the final round, going to Chile. He started with Cavani in his own frontline, in front of a midfield of five. It looks closer to the team he will use in the World Cup – an impression confirmed by his pick against El Tri. Suarez is not present this time. but Alonso can call on Nunez, plus the strength of Maxi Gomez.
However, there are clear advantages to playing a central striker. It allows the team to play three people in the heart of midfield, where these days are playing with a new strength. Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde has emerged as perhaps the most important member of the team, and he works well with Tottenham Hotspur’s Rodrigo Bentancur. Even if Bentancur is absent due to injury, Uruguay can still play Lucas Torreira organize in front of the defense and Matias Vecino alongside Valverde in a mixed offensive/defensive role. It is a formation that makes the current Uruguay more fluent and difficult to play.
Having a striker also helps free up the flanks. In Thursday’s game, Uruguay won effectively over Mexico in the first few minutes of the second half, as a 1-0 lead was quickly converted to 3-0 thanks to two goals from Cavani. The quick strikes all come from breaking on the right, where Facundo Pellistri is a gamble that has begun for Alonso. The Manchester United The attacking midfielder is on loan at Alaves, where he hasn’t seen much action. Alonso gave him a chance earlier this year and was rewarded – especially against Mexico, where his running with the ball caused many unwarranted problems. He scored the second, while the final strike was carried out by a forward shot from the substitute right-back. Damian Suarez.
It is true that all of Uruguay’s opponents will not be as obligatory as Mexico, the squad looks ill-equipped for the occasion. With a three-man formation against a striker, they made themselves light in the central midfield position. The USMNT on Sunday can be expected to provide a tougher test, which is exactly what Uruguay needs. They have one last game in these June FIFA dates, a chance for fans to see them in Montevideo on June 11, but opponents Jamaica withdrew, leaving Uruguay struggling to find a replacement.
It is therefore possible that the rescheduled opponent could create a festive occasion rather than a serious international competition, which adds to the importance of the match against the USMNT.
Focus again Diego Godin will probably play in Kansas City. The team’s captain was benched against Mexico, coming on for the last few minutes. It would be a surprise if he was eliminated against the USMNT, but some would be surprised if he kept his place in Qatar. Godin is at the veteran stage of his career, and his return to South America has not been smooth sailing. He has struggled to get a regular match against Brazilian champions Atletico Mineiro and could be heading to Velez Sarsfield in Argentina.
Will Alonso knock him out? At the World Cup, he can definitely match Atlético Madrid‘S Jose Maria Gimenez with Ronald Araujo of the Barcelona. Araujo was used in the back, but this seems like a waste. He was injured in the first half against Mexico – and the advantage of a genuine right-back was evident when Suarez hit the ball to score the third goal.
So Sunday’s game could be an important one in Godin’s long career. He has been a rock during Uruguay’s reunion. He needs a sound performance against the USMNT to show that he can end his international career on a pinnacle in Qatar.
