Uruguay

Nickname: La Celeste (The Light Blue)
FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking: 16

Uruguay is making their 11th appearance in the World Cup, and they have won the cup twice (1930 and 1950). They qualified for the World Cup by beating Costa Rica in a play-off, taking the final available slot. They were placed in Group A alongside France (ranked 9th), Mexico (ranked 17th) and hosts South Africa (ranked 83rd).

Coach

Uruguay is coached by Oscar Tabárez, who is coaching Uruguay for the second time in the World Cup. He coached them in 1990, where he led them to the second round, and is hoping for at least a repeat performance. The 62-year-old has been coaching for a long time and hopes his experience can help lead this young and talented Uruguayan team.

This group is expected to be decided on June 22, when Uruguay meets Mexico in what is likely to be a match for second place behind France.

Key Players

Uruguay’s most-known player is forward Diego Forlan, who plays with a lot of passion and is incredibly talented at finishing in front of the goal. This team is captained by defender Diego Lugano, another hardworking player who likes to take chances and attack as well.