Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia: Tactical change would allow La Celeste to rack up the goals
After Russia’s 3-1 win over Egypt on Tuesday night, Uruguay will join them in the next round with victory over Saudi Arabia today. They’ll be reeling from their 5-0 defeat to the hosts on the opening day of the World Cup and a stronger performance from Juan Antonio Pizzi’s side is demanded in the meeting with the South American side.
However, after Russia sauntered to victory against Saudi Arabia last week, Uruguay too should have no problem in dispatching the Green Falcons. Granted, La Celeste struggled in their 1-0 win over Egypt last week, but Saudi Arabia should be considered a more affordable opponent for Oscar Tabarez’s side. That being said, Tabarez will need to tinker with his side in order to maximise the players at his disposal against their Group A rivals.
Uruguay set up in a 4-4-2 formation against Egypt before switching to a 4-3-1-2 system at half time. While the eventual winner came from a free-kick, Uruguay looked a far better side in the second half and it’s crucial Tabarez stick with the system that worked impressively after the interval. It may also result in a change in personnel for Uruguay, with Nahitan Nandez and Giorgian de Arrascaeta both churning out underwhelming performances before their second half withdrawals, earning respective WhoScored.com ratings of 6.67 and 6.62.
Carlos Sanchez, who provided the assist for Jose Gimenez’s late winner, and Arsenal target Lucas Torreira will both hope for a spot in the starting XI as Uruguay look to put Saudi Arabia to the sword. Indeed, the Uruguay fans will be hoping for a much-improved display today and they have every right to expect more from their side, even if they landed all three points against Egypt at the death.
A key tactical change could prove to be the difference between one point and three and, importantly, improve Uruguay’s chances of making up the hefty goal difference between themselves and Russia.
Writer predictions:
Martin Laurence - Uruguay 3-0 Saudi Arabia
Ben McAleer - Uruguay 4-0 Saudi Arabia
Josh Wright - Uruguay 3-0 Saudi Arabia
