Can Uruguay win the World Cup after a VERY long wait?
In 1930, Uruguay celebrated the centenary of its first constitution in the best way possible; when it hosted the first world cup and also won it. Since then, Uruguay became the Cradle of the World Cup.
Uruguay in world cup
Contents
Pin on the map
On the southeastern coast of South America, lies the Oriental Republic of Uruguay sharing borders with Brazil, Argentina, and the Atlantic sea border. This land is only 176,215 km2 which is making Uruguay the second-smallest country in South America after Suriname.
Montevideo is Uruguay’s capital and largest city.
Wave the flag
If you’re not a native of South America, you probably have to google the Argentinian flag every time you see the Uruguayan one and vice versa.
They both share the Golden Sun of May; a symbol of “Inti” the God of the sun and the mythical founder of the Incan Empire.
Also, the white and blue colors of the two flags are quite deceiving but the Uruguayan flag has nine horizontal stripes referring to the nine provinces of the country; Montevideo, Maldonado, Canelones, San José, Colonia, Soriano, Paysandú, Durazno, and Cerro Largo.
Listen to the anthem
Sing along
After Uruguay’s independence in 1828, the poet “Francisco Esteban Acuña de Figueroa” offered to write a national anthem for the government.
The final version debuted in 1845. Acuña de Figueroa’s “Orientales, La Patria O La Tumbat” had 11 verses, making it the longest national anthem in the world, but today only the first verse and the chorus are sung.
World Cup Campaign
Uruguay qualified for the upcoming 2022 World Cup in Qatar after finishing third in the CONMEBOL -the South American Football Confederation- behind Brazil and Argentina. Uruguay passed 18 matches in the FIFA World Cup qualification stage from October 8th 2020 to March 29th 2022.
The CONMEBOL consisted of ten teams: Uruguay, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Ecuador.
Uruguay had a total of 28 points. It scored 22 goals, 8 out of them were by the one and only El Pistolero; Luis Suarez.
World cup history
Uruguay holds the title for the best possible debut on hosting the very first tournament and winning in 1930 after defeating Argentina, 4-2.
Uruguay refused to defend its title in 1934 and 1938, only to go to Brazil in 1950 and blast the “Maracanazo”; when Brazil needed only to avoid defeat to win the world cup at home, Uruguay turned the table and turned the Brazilian lead into an overwhelming defeat by winning, 2-1.
In the 21st century, Uruguay qualified four times with various results. In 2002, they left at the group stage, in 2014 at the final 16, and their best result was in 2010 when Suarez’s hand helped them to reach the fourth position after a memorable match against Ghana.
In 2018, Uruguay simply got outclassed by France who did everything to reach the semifinals and even won the whole thing.
Stars – Coach
Uruguay will depend one last time on two of the best strikers in the history of the nation; Suarez and Cavani. The duo will also have the help of the youngster Darwin Nunez
Fandom
Football is the most popular sport in Uruguay. Uruguay suffered from hooliganism and its fans are known for their excessive passion for the game.
Prediction
Uruguay joined Group H of the 2022 FIFA World Cup which will compete from 24th November to 2nd December 2022. Uruguay will play three matches against South Korea, Portugal, and Ghana. The top two teams will advance to the round of 16.
Uruguay was once the dominant force in world football and while their star does not shine as bright as it once did, they will still prove a tough side to beat at the 2022 World Cup. With the likes of Luis Suárez and Darwin Núñez in their ranks, they could make plenty of noise in Qatar 2022.
Fun Fact
Not the best fans of salt
In Uruguay, salt is banned from schools and from being served on tables in restaurants. If you want salt, you have to ask the waiter to bring some to you. The same applies to ketchup and mayonnaise.
