[The Day of Korea's Decisive Battle]② Uruguay, New and Old Harmonize Against Superior Skill of Hansu

South American Powerhouse Uruguay, Recent Form: 7 Wins, 1 Draw, 1 Loss

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jong-gil] Uruguay, South Korea's first opponent in the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup, is a team skilled at controlling the midfield. Their forwards and midfielders constantly press the front line. Among the countries participating in this tournament, they are at the highest level. This was not seen under the leadership of Oscar Tabarez, who managed the team for 15 years until last year. The focus was on defensive tactics. Coach Diego Alonso has drastically changed the team's style. He aims for attacking football that leverages the individual strengths of the players. The results have been successful. In the last nine matches, they recorded 7 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss.

At the center of this change is Federico Valverde. He is a midfielder in his early 20s who has secured a starting position at Real Madrid. He wins the ball with strong pressure in the midfield. With precise passes, he exploits gaps in the opponent's defense and also aims for goals with sudden penetrations. Paulo Bento, head coach of the South Korean national team, evaluated him as "physically fit, with good physical attributes, and technically excellent," calling him "the world's best midfielder who can decide the outcome of a game."

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Rodrigo Bentancur and Nicolas De La Cruz (River Plate), Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Agustin Canobbio (Paranaense), and Facundo Pellistri (Manchester United), who are Son Heung-min's Tottenham teammates, also rarely lose in the battle for control. However, they struggle considerably on the flanks. Uruguay lacks wingers. Coach Alonso employs a 4-4-2 formation and fills the gaps with De La Cruz, Canobbio, and Pellistri. None of them specialize in flank attacks.

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This is not a major problem. Darwin N??ez (Liverpool), who has emerged as a fixed striker, aggressively penetrates spaces. He is the fastest player in the English Premier League (EPL). In the UEFA Champions League (UCL), he outpaced Kim Min-jae (Napoli) and showcased sharp shots and crosses.

On the other hand, Luis Su?rez (Nacional) no longer has the mobility and agility he once did. It is highly likely that the attack will be developed to maximize N??ez's strengths. If necessary, Su?rez can also finish plays himself. He is a veteran who has played 746 matches and scored 460 goals for big clubs such as Liverpool and FC Barcelona. In 134 A-match appearances, he scored 68 goals. Even this season, playing in his domestic league, he has scored eight goals in fourteen matches, showing that his scoring sense remains sharp. Edinson Cavani (Valencia), who has long played alongside him on the national team, is still active. His breakthrough ability is excellent, and he can be brought on at any time to change the flow of the game.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The weakness is found in defense. Ronald Ara?jo (FC Barcelona), who injured his right thigh muscle, is recovering slowly. He is the only player in Uruguay's defense capable of keeping up with Son Heung-min. His absence could change Coach Bento's tactical approach. Coach Alonso said, "He is training well and improving his condition. There is one more training session to check his physical state," adding, "We are considering the possibility of him playing in the match against South Korea."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

If Ara?jo is absent, the back four could be composed of Mat?as Olivera, Kim Min-jae's club teammate, Jos? Gim?nez (Atl?tico Madrid), Sebasti?n Coates (Sporting), and Diego God?n (V?lez Sarsfield). The heavy responsibility of marking Son Heung-min will fall to the next-generation leader Gim?nez. He is a center-back who suppresses opposing forwards with strong pressure and tackles. He also excels at reading opponents' routes and intercepting passes. Having played alongside veteran God?n at Atl?tico Madrid and the national team, he has absorbed an intelligent defensive style. They are by no means easy opponents.