Forlan, Lodeiro in Uruguay World Cup playoff squad

Montevideo, Nov 6 (IANS) Brazil-based duo Diego Forlan and Nicolas Lodeiro have been included in Uruguay’s 24-man squad to play Jordan for a place in next year’s World Cup.

The first leg will be played in Jordan’s capital Amman Nov 13 with the return leg in Montevideo a week later, reported Xinhua.

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez will have the luxury of choosing from three world class strikers, with 2010 World Cup Golden Ball winner Forlan joined by prolific duo Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.

It is Uruguay’s fourth consecutive World Cup playoff campaign. The Celeste defeated Australia in 2001, then lost to the Socceroos in 2005 before beating Costa Rica in 2009.

They advanced to the playoff this time by again finishing fifth in the South America qualifying zone. Jordan also finished fifth in Asia.

Uruguay squad:

Goalkeepers: Martin Silva (Olimpia), Juan Castillo (Penarol), Rodrigo Munoz (Libertad).

Defenders: Diego Lugano (West Bromwich), Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid), Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Andres Scotti (Nacional), Marten Caceres (Juventus), Jorge Fucile (Porto), Alejandro Silva (Olimpia), Maxi Pereira (Benfica).

Midfielders: Walter Gargano (Parma), Diego Perez (Bologna), Arevalo Rios (Chicago Fire), Alvaro Gonzalez (Lazio), Alvaro Pereira (Inter Milan), Cristian Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid), Nicolas Lodeiro (Botafogo), Gaston Ramirez (Southampton).

Forwards: Diego Forlan (Internacional), Luis Suarez (Liverpool), Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain), Christian Stuani (Espanyol), Abel Hernandez (Palermo).