2010 FIFA World Cup: Uruguay

We preview the 2010 FIFA World Cup, set for June 11-July 11 in South Africa.

URUGUAY
Appearance: Tenth
Last time there: 2002, exited in first round
Best performance: Two-time champion (1930, 1950)

For the once-powerful side from South America, things haven't been as good in recent years. They endured a 12-year drought after a second-round exit in 1990. They haven't made even the quarterfinals since 1966.

Now, they're better known for their oft-surly play than anything that would lead to contention at a high level of international soccer.

In the end, Uruguay is not a serious contender in this tournament, but they're likely to leave a mark on it one way or another.

Players like Sebastian Abreu and Diego Forlan will help them score, even if it isn't at a high level. Luis Suarez also figures into the mix up front, as he and Forlan combined for 12 goals during qualifying.

They have plenty of toughness. Diego Lugano and Diego Perez are difficult players to get around in the back, and when you do, they often find a way to still involve themselves physically. It's a classic case of players capable of crossing the line with rough play, but they can be extremely effective if they're able to control their emotions.

Look out for Nicolas Lodeiro in the midfield. He's a bit older, but can still be quite dangerous trying to set up the strikers up front.

After a revolving door of sorts in qualifying, it looks like Uruguay have settled on Fernando Muslera to start in goal. It appears they'll be quite shaky there, as it was a real problem during CONMEBOL qualifying.

Schedule
June 11 vs. France (Cape Town)
June 16 vs. South Africa (Pretoria)
June 22 vs. Mexico (Rustenburg)