5 Key Players for Uruguay at FIFA World Cup 2014

The only time that the World Cup was held in Brazil before, Uruguay were champions. That fateful day at the Maracana Stadium forever changed the course of Brazilian football, but Uruguay have not won a World Cup since. In 2010, Uruguay heavily relied on the brilliance of Diego Forlan to finish in 4th place. This time, in Brazil, Uruguay would be looking to better that showing, and for that they will need their star players and a few other utility players as well to be right on top of their game. Their manager Oscar Tabarez is expected to field a well-drilled unit, one in which each player is aware of his roles and responsibilities, and one which should be challenging for atleast a Quarterfinal berth, if not more. Heres a look at 5 key players that must be on top of their game if Uruguay are to achieve their ambitions. You can take a look at the Top 5 players for other teams here.

#5 Fernando Muslera

In a group consisting of England and Italy – seemingly the Group of Death, Muslera’s role as Goalkeeper is vital. As Robert Green found out for England 4 years ago in South Africa, pressure can do funny things to an individual. And that is exactly what Muslera will have to guard against. 

He is usually a strong presence in his box, and commands his area. He is a brilliant shot stopper and as he showed in South Africa and in the Copa America in 2011, he has the shrewd mind to save a ball kicked from 12 yards. 

He kept clean sheets in all 3 of Uruguay's group games in South Africa, and played a key role in their progress to the semifinal, saving two penalties in the quarterfinal shootout.

In the Copa America, He was selected Man of the Match in the quarter-final match against Argentina in which Uruguay went through on penalties, where he saved a penalty from Carlos Tevez to win them the match.