Uruguay last beat Brazil in 2001 — ironically it was Luiz Felipe Scolari’s first match in charge, but Big Phil would months later lift the Selecao’s fifth World Cup. PHOTO: AFP
It was the Uruguayans who delivered Brazilian football its arguably greatest ever blow in winning the 1950 final in Rio’s famed Maracana stadium, the revamped version of which will host Sunday’s final where either world champions Spain or Italy await.
More recently, Uruguay have also shown they can mix it with their more powerful neighbours, the nation of barely 3.5 million lifting the 2011 Copa America in Argentina, where Brazil lost in the quarter-finals to Paraguay.
Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar warned the host nation they must beware if they are not to suffer an ambush in Belo Horizonte.
He pointed out that in Edinson Cavani, Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, the Uruguayans have no shortage of firepower.
“They are very strong in attack and can decide a game on their own,” said the shot-stopper.
The trio are set to return after being rested for the 8-0 whipping of Tahiti.
“I know them all well and we shall have to beware. The tiniest thing can decide a match.”
Brazil, starting to come to the boil under 2002 World Cup handler Luiz Felipe Scolari, saw off Japan, Mexico and Italy but Uruguay had to regroup after losing their first match against world champions Spain, who will face Italy in the other semi-final.
“Nobody is favourite. They will be confident as they won the Copa America in 2011,” added Cesar.
Uruguay’s wily coach Oscar Tabarez says his team has ‘reached its minimum objective’ in making it out of the group stage and while he accepts Brazil are probably favourites, he sticks to an old optimist’s dictum.
“In football, nothing is impossible,” he said. “Though it will be tough as Brazil are a great team and playing at home.”
Italy blunted by Balotelli withdrawal
Italy striker Mario Balotelli will play no further part in the Confederations Cup and is to return home to receive treatment on a thigh injury, team doctor Enrico Castellacci announced.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had previously revealed that Balotelli would not play in tomorrow’s semi-final against Spain after scans revealed a torn muscle in his left thigh.
Italy had hoped he would return to fitness in time for either the final or the third-place play-off on Sunday, but Castellacci ruled out that possibility and said the 22-year-old striker would now return to AC Milan.
“This morning we carried out some tests, but the medical conditions are not satisfactory and the player cannot recover between now and the final on Sunday. We prefer not to take any risks,” said Castellacci.
“In agreement with the coach (Cesare Prandelli), it was decided to send him back to Milan after speaking to the medical staff at AC Milan, who will look after him.”
Concerning midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who missed Saturday’s 4-2 loss to Brazil with a calf injury, Castellacci said: “He is continuing to work and we’re moderately optimistic.
“In his case, we have to evaluate his condition day by day. It will be decided at the last moment if he’s able to play or not.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 26th, 2013.
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Italy nd uruguay wil compete 4 3rd place while Bra nd spain will be de moda of all battle only 90 wil decide
@fawaz: I am waiting for the Euro clash, Spain vs Italy. Spain will hide the ball as they normally do but Italy are a fantastic team and if Pirlo is up and running, Spain might not have the pleasures of 4-0 of Euro Final.
according to match it will be a very tough games between the two southamerican country with Neymar who has being in scincilating form in the tournament