World Cup Qualification CONMEBOL: Uruguay vs Paraguay

Uruguay should target three points in the upcoming match against Paraguay in Montevideo for securing their chances on qualifying to the 2014 World Cup.

Recent run of the two-time world champions was rather poor and includes painful defeats to Bolivia, Colombia and arch-rivals Argentina and losing points in Friday match will see La Celeste drop out of the World Cup qualification zone. The team stands fifth in the group and that place only gives a chance to play in a two-legged play-off with a team from the AFC region.

Uruguay prepare for the game with positive memories about the last encounter of the teams in the 2011 Copa America when the side defeated the Paraguayans 3-0, yet the last qualifying fixture finished in a 1-1 draw when Uruguay conceded an injury-time equalizer.
Uruguay head coach Oscar Washington Tabarez shall find replacement for Juventus defender Martin Caceres who is recovering from car crash and Alvaro Pereira is likely to take the place in the starting 11. At the same time the tactician has more than enough talent in the attacking line as Luis Suarez , Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlan have all reached their best form and ready to help the team.

Paraguay is at the bottom of the World Cup qualification pool with seven points from nine matches and shall forget about playing in Brazil next year if they suffer a seventh loss.

Gerardo Pelusso who leads the side in this campaign will not be able to use Lorenzo Melgarejo and Antolin Alcaraz who sustained injuries while Roque Santa Cruz did not receive a call-up to the team despite his impressive results in Malaga.