Uruguay coach Diego Alonso believes he has the “best players in the world” whose fierce nationwide pleasure makes them contenders for one more World Cup run, because the perennial darkish horses gear up for his or her opening match on Thursday in opposition to South Korea.
Alonso stated there was pleasure and enthusiasm in a staff whose preparations had been distinctive going into their three matches in Group H, the place additionally they meet Ghana and Portugal.
“Uruguay players are the best in the world, they defend us through thick and thin,” Alonso advised a news convention on Wednesday.
“That’s the most important tool we have is the feeling the Uruguayan players have, how they identify themselves, the sense of belonging they have.”
World Cup winners in 1930 and 1950, Uruguay, a nation of solely 3.5 million folks, have a knack of inflicting upsets and making prolonged runs throughout their 14 appearances within the event, making them wildcards every time, and a staff large names hope to keep away from.
Alonso stated he was not speaking out of conceitedness or referring to the person means of his gamers, however about their willpower to ship for his or her nation.
“When I say Uruguayan players are the best in the world it’s because they’re my players,” he stated, drawing parallels with the love of his kids.
“Uruguayan players respect the team, that’s why they’re the best.”
The squad was damage free, he stated, apart from Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, who underwent thigh surgical procedure in September however was making good progress.
“He’s playing well every day. His body will tell us when he’s fit,” he added.
Alonso joined Uruguay in December final yr, changing Oscar Tabarez after 15 years accountable for the nationwide facet.
He has picked a squad with an enormous age hole, which incorporates six gamers 35 years or older – some with 4 World Cups underneath their belt – alongside 13 first-timers, amongst them Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez.
Longtime captain Diego Godin is 36 and in Qatar will add to his greater than 150 appearances for Uruguay. He performed down questions alluding to the impediments of his age.
“The Godin of 20 years ago was different but I give my utmost, my everything on the pitch,” he stated.
“We’re very eager, very excited and have that enthusiasm you usually feel before first match is a feeling we all share. Tomorrow is moment of truth and we will speak on the pitch.”