Having won two World Cups back in the mists of time, Uruguay’s best days are behind them. Some have asked the reasons for the decline, but the real question should be how this little tiny country managed to be that great on the international football stage in the first place, winning two World Cups, two Olympics football Gold medals, and fourteen Copa America trophies. La Celeste is one of the most succesful national teams in football history.

Strengths
Strongdefense and aerial power are Uruguay’s main attributes. The squad is famed for toughness: they can play well or badly, but they can never be faulted for effort. This ‘never say die’ attitude has a name: Garra Charrúa.

Star Men
Diego Forlán (Atletico Madrid)
Cristian Rodríguez (FC Porto)
Diego Lugano (Fenerbahce)