Qualification
Uruguay booked their second appearance at a FIFA Confederations Cup thanks to victory in the Copa America held in July 2011.
La Celeste, who in reaching the last four at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ went further than any other CONMEBOL side, underlined their calibre on Argentinian soil thanks in good measure to the unstoppable form of Luis Suarez – with the Liverpool striker subsequently voted the player of the tournament.
En route to the South American title, coach Oscar Tabarez’s side lost none of their six encounters, knocked out the host nation in the last eight and kept clean sheets in both their semi-final win over Peru (2-0) and the final success against Paraguay (3-0). Come Brazil 2013,
Los Charrúas will be aiming to add the coveted trophy to their collection, having finished fourth on their only previous appearance in 1997.
The current crop
Uruguay are now one of the hot favourites to win a place at Brazil 2014, especially with the host nation absent from the qualifying competition. And their impressive triumph at the Copa America in 2011, a record 15th title, also augurs well as Uruguay get set to try and live up to heavy expectations in FIFA World Cup qualifying.
The key players
There can be no argument as to who is the leader of the Charrúa pack. Luis Suarez has grown in stature since moving to Liverpool, becoming only the second Red to score 20 Premier League goals in a season. With Diego Forlan and Edinson Cavani for company up front, Suarez can be expected to worry yet more defences over the course of the campaign. Bristling with intent up the field, Uruguay are also unflinching at the back, where skipper Diego Lugano sets the standard for others to follow.
Coach: Oscar Tabarez
Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Uruguay 1930, Brazil 1950 (Winners), Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 1924, Amsterdam 1928 (Winners), FIFA U-20 World Cup Malaysia 1997 (Runners-up), FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Rio de Janeiro 2006 (Runners-up), FIFA U-17 World Cup Mexico 2011 (Runners-up)
Former stars: Roque Maspoli, Alcides Ghiggia, Enzo Francescoli
