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CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying Preview: Uruguay v Colombia [Mon Sep 5th, 2005]
Uruguay and Colombia face off in a vital encounter that will determine a huge part of their World Cup fates.
Uruguay must win in order to keep alive their chances for direct qualification, while Colombia, who are ahead of Uruguay by two points should be happy to bring home a valuable draw, although if they are able to snatch a victory it should be enough to land them fifth position, or even a chance for direct qualification.
BACKGROUND
Uruguay coach Jorge Fosatti has stated that Uruguay will look for the victory right from the kickoff, and that his team should be strong enough to pressure the Colombians throughout the entire match.
Fosatti will be without several of his regular starters, as Diego Lugano, Ruben Olivera, Carlos Diogo, and Javier Chevanton will all sit out the match due to suspension.
Fabian Carini has been chosen to replace Sebastian Viera in goal after impressing against Spain in a recent friendly, while Monaco’s Diego Perez is likely to start instead of Javier Delgado.
The most important news in the Uruguay camp is that they will welcome the return of star player Alvaro Recoba, who will be back for the national team after a nine month absence.
Fossati comments on the morale of his side:
“We are well prepared for this vital clash. We have worked very well, and the players have adapted to the changes, as they have all been training together for a while now.
“I can see that everyone in the squad is ready for the upcoming challenge and they are all in very good conditionâ€.
Colombia, who thrashed Uruguay 5-0 at home in the first round have fielded a very strong side, and are likely to come out to attack their opponents, although they will be playing away from home. Coach Reinaldo Rueda has stated that a good team spirit should at least earn them a valuable draw.
Likely Starting lineups:
Uruguay: Fabian Carini, Diego Lopez, Paolo Montero, Guillermo Rodriguez, Gustavo Varela, Pablo Garcia, Diego Perez, Alvaro Recoba, Marcelo Zalayeta, Diego Forlan and Richard Morales. Coach: Jorge Fosatti.
Colombia: Miguel Calero, Andres Orozco, Luis Perea, Ivan Cordoba, Gerardo Bedoya, John Viafara, John Restrepo, Franky Oviedo, Tressor Moreno, Juan Pablo Angel and Luis Gabriel Rey. Coach: Reinaldo Rueda.
Stadium: Estadio Centenario, Montevideo (Uruguay).
Referee: Horacio Elizondo (Argentina).
Kick-off: 18:10 local time.
Gregory Sica
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