We’re midway through the tournament now, although the vast majority of matches have been played, so we now have a rough idea of who will be in the shake up to claim this year’s FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (Player of the Tournament). For irony’s sake, the last two winners have both been losing finalists while the last time a player won the award without actually competing in the final itself was Italy’s Salvatore Schillaci back in the 1990 finals. Make of that what you will.

Here’s our honest yet brief assessment of those currently in the running…

David Villa

You could argue that without David Villa’s goals Spain would be sat at home right now, as the newly signed Barcelona hitman accounts for 4 of Spain’s 5 strikes so far, which in fairness is a meagre tally for a team previously touted as overwhelming outright favourites. Nevertheless, Spain are still plugging away and so long as there are games to be played for Spain, David Villa notably, then there’s opportunities for the stars to shine. So far, with five games down, David Villa has been the only player to really stand up and be counted, with perhaps Xabi Alonso an exception, the only exception mind as Spain have been well below par in South Africa.

So with four goals under his belt, one Man of the Match award and a tonne of plaudits, is there even a need to debate whether or not Villa is worthy of favouritism for the 2010 Golden Ball? We think so, as Spain aren’t looking like worthy champions right now, and despite facing a pretty easy last-eight opponent in Paraguay, the Spanish are certainly exposed heading into a difficult semi-final encounter against either Argentine or Germany. And let’s face it, Villa, no player for that matter, will claim the award without at least making the final, while lifting the trophy aloft is arguably imperative as well. Far too short if you ask me, although seizing the 2010 Golden Boot isn’t out of the question (Joint-leading goalscorer with 4 goals).

Lionel Messi

I don’t think there’s any question that Lionel Messi, whom is currently the best player on the planet, has stolen all the tournament’s limelight with his breathtaking displays for Argentina. Granted he has yet to even open his account, but the Barcelona maestro has been instrumental in dragging Argentina out of their qualifying slump and nearly into World Cup favouritism. He’s dazzled us with his runs, amazed us with his close ball control and left us sighing with genuine disappointment when his spectacular mazy run-and-shoot efforts don’t come off. Moreover, he’s had a hand in just about every Argentine goal thus far and hasn’t shown any sign of discontent at playing the role of assistant instead of stealing all the limelight with his abundance of goals, like he does for his club.

Argentina arrived in South Africa somewhat of an unknown quantity. You knew exactly who played for them, well almost, you just didn’t know whether or not they would turn up, perform and play to their full capacity. Two weeks in and it’s safe to say Argentina have come to play, with Diego Maradona’s charges leading the scoring charts with 10 goals in 4 games. They’ve been the most attractive and enterta9ning team of the tournament so far, haven’t looked for one moment like wilting under the pressure and are quickly shaping up as a likely winner. If they are to win, they’ll need Messi performing at the top of his game. He’s been there for quite some time now, in South Africa especially, and if he continues where the left off against Mexico, which was terrorising their defence, then we see Argentina going all the way, as will Messi as he looks to claim yet another major honour in what is shaping up to be a remarkably promising career.

If I’m being completely honest, I don’t see how anyone else can win the award from this point on. It’s difficult to see a player winning the FIFA Golden Ball without actually winning the trophy itself but no one individual has excelled other than the two mentioned. Mesut Ozil has been a bright spark in the German mix, although we don’t see the Germans getting their hands on a fourth title, Arjen Robben will no doubt have had a say were it not for injuries, but were he to mastermind a cunning victory over the Brazilians in the quarter-finals then who knows. We think it’s safe to avoid both Higuain and Fabiano as while goals have been easy to come by for the South American pair, neither have set the world alight. Higuain doesn’t even look that great a footballer but has proven to be a clinical and precise finisher, whereas Fabiano has spent large portions of every Brazil encounter as an anonymous character despite finding the goal three times, and who can forget his ‘dubious’ goal against the Ivory Coast, where he handled twice before later denying he had done so to the referee.

If you’re looking for an outside punt then why not have a dabble of Diego Forlan. The former Manchester United flop has played the role of play-maker, despite being a lethal striker by trade, to perfection and has played a pivotal role in guiding Uruguay, a team very few fancied beforehand, into the last-eight of the tournament. Let’s not forget that their opponents in the quarter-finals are that of Ghana, who have been plucky and courageous but far from inspiring. The semi-final is a real possibility for the South Americans, so much so that we think they’ll get there without too much of a fuss, so should Forlan bolster his tally for the tournament  – Currently on 2 goals – then whose to say he won’t claim the player of the tournament award for his valiant efforts?

Current FIFA World Cup Golden Ball Betting Odds:

David Villa – 9/2 Bet365

Lionel Messi – 7/1 Bet365

Mesut Ozil – 8/1 PaddyPower

Luis Fabiano – 10/1 PaddyPower

Arjen Robben – 18/1 Bet365

Xavi – 20/1 BlueSquare

20/1 Bar the Rest

Betting Tips/Advice:

Lionel Messi to WIN the 2010 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (Player of the tournament) – 7/1 Bet365

Diego Forlan to WIN the 2010 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (Player of the tournament) – 33/1 888sport

Four years ago, Miroslav Klose won the Golden Shoe with five goals and it looks as though a similar total will be required in South Africa to finish top of the scoring charts. The bookmakers now make this competition a three-horse race and the strikers involved all look likely to play at least two more games at the 2010 World Cup.

There are three players that have scored four goals in this tournament, although Robert Vittek (40/1 Ladbrokes) can only sit and watch after his Slovakia team were knocked out by the Netherlands. You should only consider backing him if you think that nobody else will hit five goals or more.

David Villa is once again the market leader after his winning goal against Portugal on Tuesday and it’s also worth noting that the Barcelona striker has now opened the scoring in his past three matches. It’s fair to say that Spain would be out of this World Cup if it wasn’t for the 28-year-old who seemingly has the ball glued to his feet in possession and the bookmakers go no bigger than 2/1 (Ladbrokes) about him.

Villa has been playing a game of cat-and-mouse with Gonzalo Higuain since the group stages, with the Argentina forward profiting from having the hard-working Carlos Tevez and the creative Lionel Messi playing alongside him. It has helped the Real Madrid forward also score four goals and these have been achieved by playing one less game than the Spanish forward. We could be set to have an El Clasico showdown between these players in the semi-final and Higuain is on offer at 11/4 (Blue Square).

However, the fact that these two teams are in the same half of the draw means that one player will only be playing two more matches at this World Cup, while Brazil look likely to play the quarter final, semi final and final. That’s potentially 270 minutes for Luis Fabiano to add to his tally of three goals which have helped the Selecao cruise into the last eight of the competition. While the Sevilla striker might struggle to find the net against the Dutch, he might enjoy himself against Uruguay or Ghana – something which could make the 9/2 (Coral) an attractive proposition.

We probably shouldn’t discount Luis Suarez, who is also proving himself to be a world-class striker at this tournament. The Uruguayan hauled himself into contention at the top of the scoring charts thanks to the winning goal against Mexico followed by a brace against South Korea at the last sixteen stage. A repeat of this performance against Ghana on Friday night would see his odds contract sharply from the 16/1 (Paddy Power) currently available.

Diego Forlan (25/1 Paddy Power), Carlos Tevez (25/1 Sky Bet) and Miroslav Klose (25/1 William Hill) are the players with an outside chance of winning the Golden Shoe, having scored two goals apiece thus far.

According to the bookmaker odds, there are four players in with a shout of being the leading goalscorer in South Africa, with Spain’s David Villa among them. The striker was captured on camera hitting out at Honduras defender Emilio Izaguirre during his team’s 2-0 win on Monday, although FIFA have surprisingly decided against taking further action and it means that the Barcelona new boy has two goals to his name and is 4/1 (bet365) to add the Golden Shoe to the Golden Boot he collected during Euro 2008.

While there’s no denying his goalscoring talent, there is of course the possibility that Villa will play just one more game at the World Cup. While Brazil, Argentina and Holland have the knockout stages ahead of them, Spain’s continued participation in South Africa depends on victory against Chile – something which is not certain. Indeed, the bookies make them a 1/2 shot to get the three points they need.

Slight favourite on this market is Gonzalo Higuain, the Real Madrid striker who scored a hat-trick against South Korea to surge to the top of the market. Diego Maradona decided to rest the forward for the final Group B match against Greece, although he’s sure to return hungry for goals against Mexico, who aren’t renowned for having a tight defence (they conceded against South Africa and Uruguay). You can currently back Higuain at odds of 3/1 (William Hill).

Luis Fabiano is next in the betting, having bagged a brace during Brazil’s 3-1 win over the Ivory Coast. The Sevilla striker bounced back after a disappointing match against North Korea and perhaps offers the best value at odds of 11/2 (bet365). After all, the forward is likely to play against Portugal on Friday and will then potentially line up against Chile or Switzerland in the last sixteen. Four goals might yet be enough to win this award.

Uruguay’s Diego Forlan also has two goals to his name after three Group A matches and is also an interesting contender. As mentioned in a previous article, La Celeste look as though they have a clear route through to the semi-final and that means three more matches for the Atletico Madrid forward to make his mark. Sporting Bet offer 12/1 that the former Manchester United striker finishes top of the pile.

These are the four players who look as though they are going to battle it out for this award. Lionel Messi is available at 25/1 (Paddy Power) and perhaps shouldn’t be written off ahead of a potential goalfest against Mexico, although the Barcelona forward seems to be heavily-marked at this World Cup, something which at least is allowing his team-mates to score. Similarly, Robin Van Persie will hope for the chance to play against Cameroon during the Netherlands’ final Group E match. The Arsenal striker is currently available at 33/1 (bet365) to win the Golden Shoe.

Mexico

The lively youngsters of the Mexican side, showed against France, just what they are capable of growing into. The central American side finished second behind the USA in the CONCACAF qualification zone, but in many ways have turned in more accomplished performances than the USA. The Mexicans have speed, agility and some very good youngsters in the squad, which have been the product of their youth system. Carlos Vela and Giovani Dos Santos look a very strong partnership up front, and with Manchester United new boy Javier Hernandez floating around as well, there are the potential for goals. One weapon that the Mexicans do have is pace, and they like to move the ball around and get forward when they can. This is probably driven mostly by the youth movement in their side and they are rarely dull to watch. While they have a good backbone of experience to complement the youth, there are questions about how their defence will stand up.

Mexico are always likely to concede goals, and that will, ultimately be their downfall at the World Cup. But for now, they will know that a win will take them to the top of the group, and it will also mean that they avoid Argentina in the second round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. That is a huge prize to play for. A draw against Uruguay would see the Mexicans finish second, and so the impetus in the match, will mostly come from the central Americans to try and gain an advantage. They are not up against an easy side though, as Uruguay look like they can be a menacing side. But Mexico need to stick to their strengths and take their chances where they come. They were guilty of fading away in the second half of their first match against South Africa, but responded well to comfortably beat a misfiring French side in their second fixture. That has left them on four points, level with Uruguay, but behind on goal difference. There is everything to play for in this fixture, and the spirited Mexicans will be ready for a challenge.

Mexico World Cup Betting. If you weigh up the defences on paper, you would back Uruguay’s over Mexico. The Mexicans will have a lot of heart and belief that they can simply take the game to the South Americans and win, and they will be right to play to their strengths. They cannot afford to let the game get dragged down into a stalemate, and must keep up the tempo. Therefore they are worth backing, at the very least a Draw No Bet. The Uruguayans can scrap it out and defend all day long, and they will be happy to soak up pressure. Do the Mexicans have the ability to push on for more than a draw though? It is easier to see Uruguay settling for a draw than Mexico grabbing a win, and odds reflect that. If you are getting behind Mexico, then you may as well just go all out for a win with them.

Mexico World Cup 2010 Stats
Played: P2, W1, D1, L0
GF/GA: 3/1
Cards: Y6, R0
Most Shots: Giovani Dos Santos, 6
Top Scorer: Three players, 1
Shots/On Goal: 26/10
Fouls Committed: 38
Total Passes: 995
Pass Completion: 74%

Uruguay

If Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez is to be listened to, then there is much more to come from Uruguay. The South Americans destroyed South Africa 3-0 in their second Group A fixture, putting them in pole position to take the all important top spot. The winner of the group will likely gain the huge advantage of avoiding Argentina in the second round. That role will fall to the team which ends up in second place in Group A, and that position is being occupied by Mexico at the moment. After a 0-0 draw in their opening fixture, in which Uruguay were criticised a little bit for being defensively negative against France, Tabarez threw three up front to face South Africa, and they clicked in some fashion. The three attackers were Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani and they ran riot over the South African defence. It was a bold move by Tabarez, who could have played it safe again, but he made a tactical call that was just right for the occasion.

Now Tabarez believes that his side will only get stronger. The 3-0 score line against the Bafana Bafana could have been doubled if the Uruguayan strikers had been just a little bit more clinical, but it is hard to knock a team that has just won 3-0. Uruguay look a solid side, and while they are understated in terms of making claims to win the World Cup, they look as if they really can pose a threat. There is a great team ethic running through the squad, a solidarity, Tabarez called it, that will see Uruguay through when tougher matches come along. They also look like a side which will grow in confidence and stature, as, with a little more composure on the ball, with a bit more precision in the final third of the pitch, they could be a real force. By no means are they are complete team, but they look as if they can grow into one. They will know that benefits which come from finishing first. It will mean an easier second round match, and from then on, who knows. First they need to carry momentum by exposing the weaknesses which the Mexican back line have displayed.

Uruguay World Cup Betting. There is little to suggest any reason to be afraid of simply backing them outright in this match. Online bookmakers have the teams fairly evenly matched, but Uruguay have a bit of comfort in knowing that they only need to draw to win the match. They may take it a little bit easier than the Mexicans who need to win to steal top spot, but at the least they should be very good for a draw. They look solid enough at the back to keep out the lively, enthusiastic Mexicans, in what should be a thoroughly entertaining encounter. Any doubts about Uruguay, then a recommendation would be to look for a Draw No Bet option.

Uruguay World Cup 2010 Stats
Played: P2, W1, D1, L0
GF/GA: 3/0
Cards: Y2, R1
Most Shots: Diego Forlan, 10
Top Scorer: Diego Forlan, 2
Shots/On Goal: 26/9
Fouls Committed: 23
Total Passes: 882
Pass Completion: 68%

Mexico v Uruguay Betting Odds

Mexico to win: 3/1 at SkyBet
Draw: 4/5 at Bet365
Uruguay to win: 18/5 at SportingBet

Asian Handicap Betting Advice: Tough to call this one, which the bookmakers have quite close, probably with odds just favouring Mexico for some reason. Really not a great deal of value around, but for a decent price you can get behind Uruguay going on to win the match, even though a draw is more likely.
Uruguay -0.25 for 7/4 at Bet365

Mexico v Uruguay Odds:

Uruguay V France

Kick-off: Friday, 11th June – 19:30 GMT
Stadium: Green Point Stadium, Cape Town
Referee: Yuichi Nishimura (Japan)
Group A

In Germany back in 2006, France were losing finalists as they were defeated by Italy via a penalty shoot-out. This coming four years after France were humiliated in Korea/Japan in 2002 when finishing bottom of Group A, failing to win any of their three group clashes. Uruguay, the country they will face on Friday night in their 2010 World Cup opener, were the only team France took points off back then, conjuring a lousy 0-0 draw. Eight years after their drab 0-0 affair in Busan, South Korea, and the pair will do battle all over again, in ironically the same Group A only this time they’ll be accompanied by hosts South Africa and Mexico.

Uruguay

Turn back the clock a little over half-a-century and you’ll find a Uruguay team enjoying their triumph in the finals of the 1950 World Cup in Brazil. Another 20 years back and we have the very first World Cup finals hosted by Uruguay, won by Uruguay. La Celesta as they’re sometimes known, were a powerhouse in world football back in the day, way back in the day mind, whereas now they are merely perceived as minnows when it comes to major finals, an easy three points to come teams. At South Africa 2010, coach Oscar Tabarez will look to overhaul to general perception of the Uruguay national team by masterminding their progression through the group stage for the first time since 1990.

Speaking of the Uruguay coach, Oscar Tabarez claims he is sending his players onto the field to beat France on Friday, although the minimum he expects his players to walk away with is a point against a team many believe are out-of-sorts and prime for the taking at this moment in time. Perhaps there is truth in that theory, but Tabarez is showing no signs of arrogance nor has he shown a lack of respect towards a nation with a big international reputation, and a team which arrive in South Africa as the 2006 World Cup’s runners-up. "The aim is to beat France, with all the respect we have for them and how difficult we know it will be, said Tabarez ahead of Uruguay’s clash with the ’98 World Cup winners.

We have our own criticism over how Uruguay prepared for the finals, with their 4-1 victory over Israel in Montevideo, Uruguay, their only pre-World Cup warm up game. From a team which were inconsistent throughout qualifying, fortunate in some aspects even to be here in South Africa, we were surprised to see Tabarez opting instead to keep his players fresh rather than to fine-tune the teams overall game, which, in truth, is based around their clinical striking duo of Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez. They proved too good for Israel at the end of last month, but Uruguay will quickly find out that the teams that await them in Group A will be more than a match for them and, in our honest opinion, they’ll do remarkably well to escape this difficult group unscathed.

Uruguay needed a second life in order to make the 2010 finals in South Africa, beating Costa Rica in the North America/South America play-off clash. The South Americans came out victorious, although only by the odd goal, as they clinched a South Africa berth by virtue of a 2-1 aggregate win. In qualifying though, Uruguay relied heavily upon the goals of Atletico Madrid forward Diego Forlan, who recently bagged a UEFA Europa League medal after his two goal haul in the final against Fulham. Forlan, despite playing just 13 of Uruguay’s 18 qualifiers, finished as their top goalscorer with 8 goals and you get the impression they’ll need an equally impressive goal return from their blonde haired goal-getter in South Africa if they’re to remain competitive in Group A.

France

France a nation on the rocks in regards to international football, wavering since their humilating display at EURO 2008 in Austria/Switzerland were they left through the EURO back doors after finishing bottom of their group – The second occasion where France had finished bottom of their group in a major tournament this side of the millennium. Their tag of being the runners-up in the previous World Cup should stand them in high regard, at least from a betting perspective, but France have been almost a ghost in the betting markets and it’s not too difficult to see why.

Before the finals, France prepared for some tricky games in South Africa by contesting friendlies with Costa Rica, Tunisia and China – Teams which failed to qualify for South Africa 2010. On paper, certainly after looking through the French team, they should have been three straightforward warm up games for France. In typical France fashion however, a 2-1 win over North American Costa Rica was all they could conjure, as they failed to overpower lowly Tunisia (1-1) and were embarrassed once more as China despatched of Raymond Domenech’s men in a shock 1-0 win. Their performances in all three were unconvincing and displayed the characteristics of a team drained in any self-belief or confidence. This was later confirmed by winger Sidney Govou, who claimed the France team ‘have problems’. Tell us about it!

Quite how France are struggling so badly is a puzzle in itself, as there’s little doubt Domenech, who has come under heavy fire throughout his French tenure, has genuine quality, and lots of it, at his disposal. Between the sticks they have one of the brightest goalkeeping talents on the scene in Hugo Llroris of Lyon. In defence they have two energetic full-backs in Patrice Evra and Bacary Sagna, both of which will be a nuisance to keep tabs on as they look to bomb forward and deliver balls in from deep. In midfield they have a player who we believe could set the finals alight in Bordeaux’s Yoann Gourcuff. The former AC Milan play-maker was instrumental in helping Bordeaux to the French Ligue 1 title back in 2008/2009 and in his two seasons in Ligue 1 has scored 24 goals. Moreover, in the same period, Gourcuff racked up 25 assists and because he doesn’t play such a prominent role for France in an attacking sense, it will be his creative qualities which will interest Domenech and hopefully assist France to at least a top two finish.

Our biggest concern with France lye’s in their forwards, with Domenech lacking an out-an-out striker of world-class standard. Thierry Henry was deprived of first team appearances at Barcelona last season and has suffered mentally as a result, while Nicolas Anelka, despite a successful campaign with Chelsea last season, has never been prolific enough at international level, with his sluggish and lethargic attitude often criticised by the French media. In qualifying, Domenech did take a chance on bulky Toulouse forward Andre-Pierre Gignac, who returned the favour with four goals although none were against noteworthy opposition. Since the turn of the year, France have found the net just three times, two of those coming against Costa Rica, while back in March they were despatched without too much of a fuss by Spain 2-0.

With morale low and confidence in short supply, France simply have to get off to the best possible start on Friday, as anything less than a victory to rouse the troops could lead to further deflated players in the France camp, which would then lead to assumptions that France could once again finish bottom of the group if they’re not careful. France lost their opening game of the 200 finals to Senegal. They cannot afford to do the same.

Match Odds:

Uruguay – 4.00 SkyBet
Draw – 3.30 Boylesports
France – 2.15 BetFred

Our Prediction: France to WIN – 2.15 BetFred

Uruguay will remain a threat when they attack simply because they have two of the most prolific strikers in world football, with Forlan finishing the 2009-2010 season with 28 goals and Suarez a staggering 49 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions. The latter, though, plies his trade in the Dutch Eredivisie, and so, his prolific scoring antics can’t really be taken into consideration too strongly. Suarez is a talented individual mind, but you would fancy a wise and battle-hardened William Gallas to get the better of the Ajax forward.

France are going through a difficult spell right now, leading right back to their miserable appearance at the EURO’s in 2008. There’s a distinct lack of cohesion in their play, while their lack of composure and the presence of a world-class striker has led to them putting in some bizarre displays and recording some embarrassing results. Even so, they’re a team full to the brim with world-class players it could only be a case of ‘when’ and not ‘if’ France click and come back into the sort of form which seen them progress all the way into the final of Germany 2006.

Our Recommended Bet: France to WIN by 1 Goal – 3.60 PaddyPower

Manager: Oscar Tabarez
Captain: Diego Lugano

Continent: South America
Nicknames: La Celeste
Group: A

World Cup appearances: 10
Best World Cup: Winners; 1930 & 1950
FIFA World Ranking: 18

Uruguay Team Profile

The two time winners of the World Cup, albeit their last crown coming 60 years ago, will be gunning for the hat-trick in South Africa, although they will need to defy the odds. Uruguay haven’t been given much hope by the bookies, perhaps because they weren’t entirely convincing during qualifying after needing a play-off with Costa Rica to finally seal their tickets to Africa. However, the Uruguayans are a dangerous nation as they boast some serious quality in their ranks, and Oscar Tabarez does have an outside chance of guiding Uruguay to a successful World Cup – which would be qualifying for the last sixteen of the competition.

Uruguay had many admirers back when they won the World Cup, twice, as they are one of the smallest nations competing in this summers showcase event and are officially the smallest nation ever to win a World Cup, with an estimated 4Million population. However, all you need for a successful team is one or two decent individuals and Uruguay have that heading into South Africa. However, this will be just their second World Cup in 20 years and there are doubts about whether the players, who won’t be used to the hype and expectations set back home, can handle the spotlight and pressure. They are a nation who have, however, qualified 10 times for a World Cup and have been very consistent in tournaments back in the continent of South America.

Uruguay Key Players

Luis Suarez

I’ve long admired the Ajax forward as he is a quality forward and one that will demand a lot of cash in due course. Suarez has become Forlan’s ample striking parter for Uruguay and the pair have formed a budding relationship up front for their country, with the pair scoring 12 goals between them during qualifying, with Suarez bagging five of them. However, it is Suarez who heads into South Africa in the form of his life as he’s been banging in the goals in Holland for fun, scoring a colossal 22 league goals in 21 league appearances. He has been at the forefront of Ajax’s charge for a craved title, with his deadly finishing and self-made ability to create his own goals why he’s been such a success back in Holland. However, the Dutch league has fallen down the ranks in recent years and it will be interesting to see if Suarez can replicate his club form in South Africa.

Diego Forlan

The Athletico Madrid forward has been an instant hit in Spain and has won the Golden boot award twice while at Madrid, the first coming in 2005 while the second came last season after he scored 33 goals in 32 games for his club. Many of you will remember Forlan from his days at Manchester United where he was often touted as a flop for his dry spells in front of goals. However, he has been a sensation in Spain and has been just as prolific for his country, scoring 22 goals in 60 caps. He is a proper forward in that he has this selfish manner to him but he backs it up with plenty of goals. He is a typical predator in and around the goal, while he also knows how to finish under pressure. Forlan will be a danger, a nuisance if you like, for any defence in Africa.

Strengths

Their best quality would have to be their attacking play, especially as it’s spearheaded by two of Europe’s best strikers in Diego Forlan & Luis Suarez, the latter one of the upcoming stars and a future hit. When Uruguay do get forward, they cause opposing defences all sort of problems as their deadly striking duet know how to exploit gaps in defence and put themselves into scoring positions. They also have players which can strike a ball from anywhere and this Uruguay side does have goals in them.

Weaknesses

Uruguay are a confidence side and if they don’t make a bright start in South African then doubts will start to creep in. They are also very inconsistent and don’t exactly excel away from home. They were also beaten by both Brazil & Argentina twice during qualifying, meaning their credentials when they do come up against the elite nations aren’t flattering as they have proven to be bottlers in the crunch games. A perfect example of this was in Uruguay’s last qualifier when all they needed was a draw to qualify for the finals. Of course, despite Argentina enduring one of their worst spells in it’s prestigious history, Uruguay lost the encounter 1-0, on home soil, and their performance on the night shown everyone that Uruguay still lack the nerve and steel to come up good in the big games.

Uruguay Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: South America
Position: 5th
Win-Draw-Lose: 6-6-6
Goals Scored: 28
Goals Conceded: 20

Uruguay has a largely inconsistent campaign in which one minute they appeared to have slid claims for qualifying only to then ruin their chances. They did bottle their final qualifier in which they would have qualified via a fourth place finish had they of avoided defeat to Argentina. However, their fate was instead left to a two-legged play-off with Costa Rica from North America. Uruguay did, only just mind, beat Costa Rica over two legs after winning the away leg 1-0 before a nervy encounter in Uruguay, drawing 1-1.

World Cup Potential: 3/5

Uruguay have more than quality in their squad to spring a surprise and we feel their huge price tag makes them a more than worthy outside bet. The likes of Diego Forlan & Luis Suarez will be key in their chances to land a surprise World Cup but they’ve proven only recently that the big games just aren’t for them and we could quite easily see Uruguay make an earlier exit than we want nor expected. Still, the potential is there for a few big displays and they will be a dangerous opponent for everyone.

Uruguay World Cup Betting Odds

Uruguay to win the World Cup (Outright): 12/1 Bet365

Before the World Cup the odds on Uruguay were 100/1 

Official Uruguay World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Fernando Muslera (Lazio Roma)

Juan-Guillermo Castillo (Deportivo Cali)

Martin Silva (Defensor Sporting)

Defenders

Diego Lugano (Fenerbahce)

Diego Godin (Villarreal)

Andres Scotti (Colo Colo)

Jorge Fucile (Porto)

Martin Caceres (Juventus)

Mauricio Victorino (Universidad de Chile)

Maximiliano Pereira (Benfica)

Midfielders

Walter Gargano (Napoli)

Egidio Arevalo-Rios (Penarol)

Sebastian Eguren (AIK Stockholm)

Diego Perez (Monaco)

Alvaro Pereira (Porto)

Alvaro Fernandez (Universidad de Chile)

Ignacio Gonzalez (Valencia)

Nicolas Lodeiro (Ajax)

Strikers

Sebastian Fernandez (Banfield)

Luis Suarez (Ajax)

Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid)

Sebastian Abreu (Botafogo)

Edinson Cavani (Palermo)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Uruguay Fixtures – Group A

26/06 – 15.00 – Round of the last 16: Uruguay – South Korea: 2-1

02/07 – 19.30 – Quarter Finals: Uruguay – Ghana: 4-2 on penalties (1-1)

06/07 – 19.30 – Semi Finals: Urugay – Holland

World Cup Group A - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

World Cup Group of Uruguay