Uruguay Finally Find Their Form

Three qualifying games ago Uruguay found themselves in dire straits – with the possibility of the side who claimed fourth spot last term and whom many have been tipped as world cup dark horses, in real danger of failing to even make the tournament.

Oscar Tabarez’s men were in sixth spot with just five games to play, therefore outside of even the playoff spot – further to that they were without a win in six. This led to many questioning whether the long term manager had ran his course with the side, others were critical of what some might describe as an ageing squad.

However as we have hit the crunch, Uruguay have finally woken up and realised their plight – whilst their rivals for that coveted playoff spot, Peru and Venezuela have fallen away with the arrival of the business end.

When Uruguay were deep in their plight, upcoming away fixtures against both of their nearest rivals were identified as make up break contests. Given their horrific form the sceptics were less than hopeful, especially when you consider that both Peru and Venezuela had each only been beaten once on their own turf. Yet when it mattered The Sky Blues Ones dug in to come away with two precious victories, firstly Edinson Cavani striking to see over Venezuela before a Luis Suarez brace guided them to victory in Peru.

On Tuesday night those key successes were followed up by a win in Montevideo against a Colombia side who were looking to book their spot in Brazil. That result means Uruguay should now be at least be assured of a playoff spot against Jordan – a game they should win whichever way you wrap it up.

They could also progress to Brazil without the need of that contest, a thought that looked a million miles away back in March. In order to clinch the final automatic qualification they are likely to need to avoid defeat in the harsh conditions of Ecuador – although the Ecuadorians are understandably still struggling to come to terms with the death of Christian Benitez. If they can clinch a point in Quito then a result at home to already qualified Argentina might be enough to book their tickets, providing inform Chile see off Ecuador.

You have to credit the way that Uruguay have responded when the chips have really been against them, whilst there are now signs that Tabarez might have found a successful formula once again. Qualifying struggles are also nothing new, after all they struggled their way to South Africa and we all know what a hit they were there.

With Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez in their ranks and both highlighting strong international form, the Uruguayans have the potential to cause a real stir next summer. Many had tipped Colombia to be the shock South American package but with them recently struggling to find their best form and system, Uruguay look well set to again be a force on the world stage, particularly now they have come through the troubled qualification waters.