World Cup 2022: South American Sizzler Set For Montevideo

Uruguay vs Brazil

As World Cup 2022 qualifiers go, both in and outside of South America, it’s one of the biggest around.

Names such as Edinson Cavani, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho – some of the biggest in world football – trip off the tongue in anticipation of a clash between the first-ever winners of the World Cup and the most successful nation in World Cup history.

World Cup South American qualifying highlights will surely follow in this, the fourth round of fixtures.

Talking Points

The Brazilians are currently top of the standings with a perfect record of nine points from their opening three matches, while Uruguay are in fourth spot just three behind.

Last week, Brazil made it three wins from three when Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino scored the only goal as they made hard work of seeing off Venezuela.

Meanwhile, Uruguay, who surprisingly lost to Ecuador in their second fixture, have secured impressive wins against Chile and Colombia to date, the latter ruthlessly despatched on Friday with Manchester United new man Cavani among those on target.

Brazil will always attract football fans but the absence of star men Neymar and Coutinho from this encounter won’t half give the hosts a boost.

Brazil are currently unbeaten in World Cup 2022 qualifiers — Brazil coach Tite during their clash against Venezuela

The Selecao, on a run of four straight victories with three clean sheets in the process, always knew Neymar would not make the date with Venezuela.

However, even though his form for Paris St Germain in big matches has been inconsistent, the fact he will miss this clash in Montevideo is an undoubted blow, especially as coach Tite is already without the likes of Coutinho, Fabinho, Casemiro, Eder Militao and Rodrigo Caio.

Both Real Madrid duo Militao and Casemiro had to withdraw from the squad after having tested positive for coronavirus, while new United man Alex Telles will have to wait on a COVID test result to determine whether he can be involved.

The likes of Diego Carlos, Felipe, Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Paqueta and Allan have all been called up as replacements.

In goals, first choice Alisson Becker could return ahead of Premier League compatriot Ederson who got the nod against Venezuela. How Brazil must wish they had such strength in depth in other areas.

As Uruguay aim to move level on points with their opponents in the World Cup South American qualifying table, their veteran head coach Oscar Tabarez has selection concerns of his own.

He couldn’t call up Federico Valverde (another Madrid man) to his squad, defender Matias has tested positive for coronavirus, while Martin Silva, Sebastian Coates, Ronald Araujo, Federico Valverde, Giorgian De Arrascaeta and Maxi Gomez are all out with injuries. Yonatan Irrazabal, Alexis Rolin and Gabriel Neves have been called into the squad.

Despite that 4-2 defeat to minnows Ecuador last month, don’t be fooled. That loss was only Uruguay’s second defeat in their last 16 matches and in Cavani and Suarez they have a front two capable of destroying any team in the world on their day.

The Selecao have not lost to their South American rivals in more than 20 years so something has to give.

What’s the betting those statistics make a draw the likely outcome here?!

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History

These two South American giants have quite a history, one which stems back to their very first meeting in 1916 when Uruguay edged a Copa America clash.

Their most famous clash was the 1950 World Cup Final when Uruguay triumphed 2-1 in a shock which deflated a nation – Brazil bounced back to win three out of the next four tournaments.

Overall, Brazil have tasted success on 38 occasions; Uruguay have enjoyed victory 21 times and there have been 17 draws.

Brazil are unbeaten in their last 10 fixtures against Uruguay. The last time the Selecao lost against their South American rivals was in 2001.

There hasn’t been a single goalless affair played out between Uruguay and Brazil since June 1967 – a run of 35 games.

Their most recent meeting was a friendly two years ago when Brazil won by a solitary Neymar penalty – a game played at the Emirates Stadium in London.