World Cup Report Card | Uruguay | OneFootball

Uruguay were knocked out of the group stages of the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2002 despite their 2-0 win over Ghana.

While South Korea’s win over Portugal was vital to knocking out Diego Alonso’s side, their performances in the first two games just weren’t good enough for them warrant a spot in the knockout stages. Their attack looked blunt and aged and showed clear signs of the fact that a transition is needed in the squad as a whole.

Rodrigo Bentancur did well against Portugal, but standout performances were missing throughout the three games and it was fitting that the lack of one goal cost them their place in the next round.

Most impressive player: Jose Maria Gimenez was a wall at the back for Uruguay, even when the midfield balance was a problem throughout the tournament. He began his tournament with a great showing against South Korea and ended it with the showing against Ghana, while operating alongside different defensive partners.

Biggest disappointment: As mentioned, Uruguay’s attack was a massive downer. Luis Suarez did well against Ghana and Edinson Cavani made an impact here and there, but nothing else impressed about their attack, which has been iconic for years now. Darwin Nunez was a disappointment too.

Grade: D – A tournament which shows that a transition is needed in the Uruguay squad.

GWFN