Colombia v Uruguay: What we can Expect: Preview and Prediction
Dented by the Luis Suarez saga, Uruguay go into their Round of 16 clash in not the best of spirits. After all, Suarez is their talisman. An entire nation pinned its hopes on the Liverpool marksman, and have been woefully let down by their superstar.
Colombia though come into this game buoyant. They have won all three of their group stage games rather convincingly. In the absence of Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez has taken to the leadership role like a fish to water, with 3 goals and 2 assists to his name in this tournament. A mouthwatering clash awaits us in Ri
Venue
The historic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro will play host to this game. This is the fifth match that the Maracana will host in this World Cup. It has been a rather favourable stadium for Latin American sides, with none of them losing. The last time Uruguay won the World Cup in 1950, it was at the Maracana, in what was considered to be the greatest disaster in Brazilian football when the hosts lost 2-1. It has a capacity of 78,838 and at its best it can be a daunting cauldron of noise.
Kickoff Time
June 29: 01:30 IST
June 28: 17:00 Local Time
Possible Starting Lineups
Colombia played their first two games with the same starting eleven, and they are expected to field much the same team against Uruguay. It is a team that has served them well, and has coped brilliantly without their star man Falcao.
Colombia XI: David Ospina; Juan Zuniga, Mario Yepes, Cristian Zapata, Pablo Armero; Carlos Sanchez, Abel Aguilar; James Rodriguez, Segundo Ibarbo, Juan Cuadrado; Teofilo Gutierrez
The one obvious change to the Uruguayan lineup will be the absence of Luis Suarez. The striker is suspended for their next 9 internationals. Cristhian Stuani will most likely replace Suarez in the starting lineup. Otherwise, Uruguay are expected to play much the same team as they played against Italy in their crucial Group D match
Uruguay XI: Fernando Muslera; Martin Caceres, Diego Godin, Jose Maria Gimenez, Alvaro Pereira; Alvaro Gonzalez, Egidio Arevalo, Nicolas Lodeiro, Cristian Rodriguez; Edinson Cavani, Cristhian Stuani
Key Facts and Stats
- Colombia and Uruguay’s only previous World Cup encounter was in the group stages of the 1962 tournament; Uruguay won 2-1 despite Colombia opening the scoring.
- James Rodriguez has scored three goals and delivered two assists in 225 minutes at this World Cup, an average of a goal contribution every 45 minutes. He’s already been involved in more goals than any other Colombian in World Cup history (5)
- In the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, Luis Suarez has missed two games for Uruguay, and La Celeste have lost both, against Netherlands in the 2010 semifinal and against Costa Rica in their 2014 opener.
- Uruguay have scored in each of their last nine World Cup games – the last time they failed score was against France in a Group Stage match in 2010.
- The last nine encounters between Colombia and Uruguay have produced 32 goals.
- Diego Godin’s last three goals have been hugely significant goals; the La Liga title winner against Barcelona, the goal in the Champions League final against Real Madrid, and the winner against Italy that saw Uruguay make it through to the Round of 16 .
Key Battles
James Rodriguez vs Uruguayan defense
Rodriguez has been in sizzling form in this World Cup, and has led Colombia through to the Round of 16. Uruguay’s defence, after a shaky start against Costa Rica held firm against England and Italy. If Uruguay are to harbour any hopes of making it to the last 8, then their defenders will have to find a way to stop the impressive Rodriguez.
Edinson Cavani vs Mario Yepes and Cristian Zapata
In the absence of Suarez, Cavani takes on the role of lead striker for Uruguay. Cavani was poor against Costa Rica, but burst into life against England and Italy in the presence of Suarez. If Colombia fail to stop Cavani, then they put a huge onus on their attackers to keep up their impressive run through the tournament.
Prediction
Colombia have shown that they are a much more all-round team than Uruguay, but Uruguay have shown grit and determination in beating England and Italy. BUt without Suarez, they might struggle for goals.
Predicted scoreline: Colombia 2-0 Uruguay
Match Officials
Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)
Assistant Referees: Sander van Roekel and Erwin Zeinstra (Both Netherlands)
Fourth Official: Svein Oddvar Moen (Norway)
Prediction
Colombia have shown that they are a much more all-round team than Uruguay, but Uruguay have shown grit and determination in beating England and Italy. BUt without Suarez, they might struggle for goals.
Colombia 2-0 Uruguay