Uruguay’s Luis Suarez celebrates his team’s goal during a friendly soccer match against Uzbekistan in preparation for the 2018 Russia World Cup in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, June 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay — Uruguay’s priority will be keeping Luiz Suarez tamed at this World Cup.
After the striker was expelled from the 2014 tournament in disgrace for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini, Uruguay was eliminated by Colombia in the round of 16.
Suarez promises he is a reformed character and will be better behaved in Russia than in Brazil, where he scored twice before being banned.
“It was my mistake,” Suarez said. “So I have a debt to repay to myself and Uruguay, to try to show a good image.”
Things were already starting to look brighter for two-time World Cup champion Uruguay, based on qualifying at least.
After enduring four consecutive World Cup playoffs and only reaching three of the tournaments, Uruguay secured an automatic place in Russia by finishing second behind Brazil in qualifying.
Here’s a closer look at the Uruguay team:
COACH
Oscar Tabarez will lead Uruguay into his fourth World Cup after a first trip in 1990 followed by 2010 and 2014. A Tabarez team has always made it out of the group stage, including a semifinal appearance in South Africa eight years ago.
A former school teacher and professional player, Tabarez led Uruguay to the Copa America title in 2011. As a club coach, he led Penarol to the Copa Libertadores title in 1987 and Boca Juniors to an Argentine league title in 1992.
The 71-year-old Tabarez has used a wheelchair since he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome in 2016.
GOALKEEPERS
There is little doubt Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera will be between the posts for his third World Cup.
DEFENDERS
The Atletico Madrid partnership of Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez also anchor the heart of Uruguay’s defense. Godin has made more than 100 appearances since his debut in 2005 and scored at his third World Cup with a header against Italy in 2014. The 23-year-old Gimenez offers a solid companion to a player nine years his senior and already has one World Cup under his belt.
Versatile Lazio wingback Martin Caceres should also be sure of a starting spot unless there is a recurrence of one of his frequent injuries.
MIDFIELDERS
Tabarez has always had doubts about his midfield’s attacking qualities. While the unit has usually been capable of defending well, the midfielders have often struggled to generate chances for the forwards.
During qualifying, Tabarez called up several young players who improved in this area: Nahitan Nandez (22) and Rodrigo Bentancur (20).
FORWARDS
Uruguay shouldn’t be short of goals. The strikers are the team’s greatest strength.
Suarez is Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer with 51 goals and is coming off the back of a strong season with Barcelona. Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani is next on the list with 42, including a continent-leading 10 goals in 18 matches in South American qualifying.
GROUP GAMES
Uruguay, which will be based in Nizhny Novgorod, will face Egypt in its first match on June 15. That will be followed by matches against Saudi Arabia on June 20 and Russia on June 25.
FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray), Martin Silva (Vasco da Gama), Martin Campana (Independiente)
Defenders: Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid), Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Maximiliano Pereira (FC Porto), Gastón Silva (Independiente), Sebastián Coates (Sporting Lisbon), Guillermo Varela (Penarol), Martin Caceres (Lazio)
Midfielders: Carlos Sánchez (Monterrey), Matías Vecino (Inter), Nahitan Nández (Boca Juniors), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Cruzeiro), Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus), Lucas Torreira (Sampdoria), Diego Laxalt (Genoa), Cristian Rodríguez (Penarol)
Forwards: Luis Suarez (Barcelona), Cristhian Stuani (Girona), Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain), Jonathan Urretaviscaya (Monterrey), Maximilano Gomez (Celta)