Uruguay have kept their World Cup dreams alive for now, knocking England out of the group stages with a 2-1 scoreline. Whether they progress or not is going to be dependent on the next few results that Costa Rica and Italy manage to get. Uruguay was a completely different team that we saw face Costa Rica a few days ago, attacking with much more purpose and fixing their defensive weaknesses. Let’s take a look at how each player performed:
Muslera: He was absolutely crucial for Uruguay today keeping England at only one goal. If it wasn’t for him, the scoreline could easily have been significantly different. He had a marvelous save against Sturridge’s shot in the first half and another vital one against Rooney in the 54th minute. 8.5/10
Caceres: Filled in at right back for the absent Maxi Pereira, and did a great job at that. Provides a bit more defensive quality which came in handy for Uruguay on the right side of the pitch to stop England’s tricky wingers. 7.5/10
Diego Godin: Lead by example and put on the kind of performance we’re used to seeing by him. Crucial tackles and thoughtful fouls made to break up England’s attacking play. Was at fault however, for England’s goal, allowed Glen Johnson to glide right past him and provide the assist for Rooney. But overall, excellent game by him. 8/10
Jose Gimenez: The 19 year old Atletico Madrid Center Back was exactly what Uruguay needed in defense to replace Lugano. Provided youth, pace, energy in the back for Uruguay. Great overall performance with very important defensive clearances and blocks. 8/10
Alvaro Pereira: Slotted in at left back and put on a heck of a performance. Going in for crunching tackles and even refusing to come off the pitch when suffering an almost serious head injury. Vital clearances and blocks that made Uruguay’s defense a bit more stable. 8/10
Alvaro Gonzalez: Was relatively dormant throughout the game in the attacking side of the game, but provided lots of help on defense. Started off as a Right Midfielder but tucked in to crowd the center of the pitch and was key in dribbling the ball out of the back of defense. Solid game, but needed to provide a bit more in the final third. 7.5/10
Alvaro Rios: One of the best performers on the pitch today in my opinion. Was crucial for Uruguay, breaking up England’s attack before it became too threatening. Kept Wayne Rooney quiet nearly the entire game and lived up to his nickname, The Bulldog. 9/10
Nicolas Lodeiro: Decent in the center of midfield, provided some great through balls for the two strikers up top and created a few chances. 7.5/10
Cristian Rodriguez: Put in quite the shift at Left Midfield today. Working hard on both sides of the pitch and providing some serious attacking threat, especially with the powerful left footed shot in the first half. 8/10
Edinson Cavani: Fantastic delivery to Luis Suarez for the first goal of the game. Playing the deepest of the two strikers, he put in a strong defensive performance as well. Making his way back to the 18 yard box and using his heading prowess to help the team. Was also crucial in the final minutes to kill off the game. 8.5/10
Luis Suarez: There aren’t enough words I could use to compliment this man’s performance. To think he was in a wheelchair from his surgery only a month ago, to putting on a performance like this is almost unthinkable, but Suarez manages to make the impossible possible. I’m not sure if Uruguay would have won without his two goals today, tucking in a magnificently placed header in the first half and a devastating far post shot to shut out the game in the second half. This man has it all, and if Roy Hodgson still thinks he’s not a “World Class Player,” then think again. 9.5/10
Substitutes:
Cristian Stuani: Came on at the 67th minute for Lodeiro to provide more width. Put in a tight defensive shift as well. 7/10
Jorge Fucile: Decent at the back, helped shut out the game. N/A
Sebastian Coates: Subbed in at the 87th minute to provide extra defensive support to close the game out. Not enough time to make an impact. N/A
