"In the days leading up to the Final, you could already tell that the Centenario would be completely packed. We knew that it was our big chance to beat Argentina, with whom we enjoyed a fierce rivalry at the time. And that's what happened. The atmosphere and our fighting spirit overwhelmed the Argentinians. Even Luis Monti, who was one of their key players, didn't kick anybody and played like a gentleman. We really reaped the benefits."
Jose Nasazzi, Uruguay captain at the 1930 FIFA World Cup

"We came in at half-time in that game 2-1 ahead, but it the second period it all went downhill for us. With Uruguay growing ever stronger and a Centenario stadium that was fit to burst, we couldn't hold on to our lead. I can still remember the euphoria that reigned in the stands. It was a blow I've spent my entire life trying to get over."
Francisco Varallo, who played for Argentina in the 1930 FIFA World Cup Final

"I'd always dreamed of lifting the Copa America while surrounded by my countrymen, although what we achieved in 1995 surpassed all expectations. The Centenario was packed, with an entire nation chanting 'Uruguay! Uruguay!' That evening was a great way to draw my national team career to a close after 13 years."
Enzo Francescoli, legendary Uruguayan international

"My first big tournament with Uruguay was the 1980 Gold Cup, which featured the other former World Cup-winning nations and the Netherlands. It hadn't been long since I turned professional, and the sight of the packed Centenario had a huge impact on me. I don't know if it frightened opposing teams, because the stands were set back from the pitch, but there was certainly an aura about the place because of how difficult visiting teams found it to win there. The image of all those people, dressed in sky blue and white, will remain forever etched in my memory along with the title we won."
Venancio Ramos, a Copa Libertadores and Toyota Intercontinental Cup winner with Penarol in 1982

"The 3-0 defeat against Venezuela in the Centenario was the first time in my life that I couldn't wait for the game to be over. That night we betrayed years and years of tradition in a stadium where nobody had ever come away with an easy victory. It was a blot on Uruguayan football history."
Juan Ramon Carrasco, Uruguay coach from April 2003 to April 2004