World Cup qualifiers. Chile vs Uruguay: Forlan dropped from the first XI

Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez has decided to drop Diego Forlan, Golden Ball winner, from the first squad in favour of top Serie A Edinson Cavani for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Chile.

Tabarez revealed he has been disappointed with a 1-1 draw against Paraguay, stating his side lacked creativity in the pitch and struggled to create chances. He said: “We need to improve a lot in what the team does when they take possession of the ball.” With this aim in view he has also decided to include Gaston Ramirez instead of Cristian Rodriguez to add possession and creativity.

It is to be recalled that Suarez scored four goals in previous match against Chile to demolish them 4-0 in Montevideo. However they have been struggling up front ever since, managing to score just three goals in their last five games. Tabarez has also admitted his defenders suffered worrying lapses in concentration in the latest games: “We’ve committed a lot of defensive errors that cost us points. A performance often is related to results (and) a positive result is what can change everything at the moment. We need points urgently because we are among several teams fighting for the fourth and fifth place.”

Uruguay are currently lying in the fourth spot of CONMEBOL table with 13 points, 10 points behind the leaders Argentina. Chile are occupying the sixth place with 12 points, having suffered four back-to-back defeats.