Uruguay Camp Focus- La Celeste missing two in must win match
La Celeste go into today’s game against a young Mexico team, knowing this is a must win match. With two draws from their opening two fixtures, Uruguay are in danger of missing out on the knockout stage. The best two third placed teams in the groups go forward to the quarter-finals but Uruguay will be concerned that at present, this is looking like a tight race with the hosts ensuring ticket to the knock outs in their last chance amoung the three pre-season favourites struggling for form.
The concern regarding qualification was highlighted by coach Oscar Tabárez. "What has happened is rare but can happen. It's hard to imagine an America's Cup where Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay are eliminated in the first phase," the 'Maestro' told reporters in a press conference held on Sunday evening in reference to the hosts and Champions. He compared the situation to River Plate’s: "I thought that River getting relegated was impossible, but it happened. In football, your history, your titles, your brilliant former players all make a difference. The historical dominance of teams in the region is now in question."
When questioned on the Mexico game, the coach went on to add, “I'm sure it will be difficult, they want to stand up for their country. They are young and lack experience, but will always try their best, what we have to do is to channel our concern for the win.”
Tabárez has two changes forced upon him. Full back Martin Caceres has picked up two yellow cards and striker Edinson Cavani has been told he may miss the Mexico game following a knee injury picked up during Friday's 1-1 draw against Chile. Team doctor Alberto Pan has confirmed the Napoli man's injuries could mean that he is unable take part in his nation's final group match on Tuesday. "Cavani has a light sprain to his right knee and he is having treatment. Obviously he must rest now," Pan told the press, as reported by Il Corriere dello Sport. He added: “We cannot be exactly sure when he will be back. It would be premature to give a date."
The Napoli striker’s place is likely to be taken by Abel Hernandez, the talented and mercurial Palermo forward who has been generating transfer interest this summer. Alvaro Pereira may drop back to cover for Caceres with Alvaro Gonzalez taking his place in midfield.Diego Godin, yet to feature in the tournament, is also struggling for fitness after illness and is unlikely to be risked against the Mexicans.
Against Mexico, Diego Forlan will win his 79th cap, equalling the record of Rodolfo Rodriguez. On 29 goals for his country, two behind Scarone Hector in the all-time charts, Forlan will be looking to return to the goal scoring form that saw him capture the Golden Boot at last year’s World Cup.
Despite Mexico fielding a mainly under 22 side, Uruguay will have to overturn recent history in the Copa America. The two teams have met four times since 1995, with Mexico winning two and two draws. The most recent match being at Venezuela 2007 when Mexico won 3-1 in the third place play off.
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