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Colombia aims to shoot down Uruguay

JRodriguez

Photo: James Rodriguez has three goals in the World Cup so far. (Getty Images)

Another epic battle looms in game two of “South American Saturday” as the knock -out round begins in the FIFA World Cup. The impressive Colombians will take on a Uruguay team that is reeling from the suspension of star striker Luis Suarez. Los Cafeteros has been the best South American team on show thus far despite the absence of star striker Radamel Falcao and they will hope to improve on their performances in order to go as far a possible.

Uruguay lost their first game to Costa Rica but bounced back well registering victories over former winners England and Italy. They have yet to inspire, but this is a dangerous team that can hurt any opponent on their day. They will have to do without Suares who was suspended by world governing body FIFA for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini on his left shoulder.

Colombia started the tournament without Falcao but they are not missing him at the moment with the way James Rodriguez is playing. Coach Jose Pekerman must be given credit for the way his team has been playing which is typical of the way he likes to see his team play. Solid in defense but calm and composed in possession while attacking with great pace and intensity.

David Ospina has shown the reason Arsene Wenger is tracking him, displaying excellent reflexes, great handling and a wonderful sense of positioning. The old master Mario Yepes will hope to continue his great partnership with Cristian Zapata in central defense while Juan Camilio Zuniga and Pablo Armero will work the flanks going up and down like they have been doing so far.

Pekerman may opt to bring in Fredy Guarin to provide calmness and insurance in midfield as well as to improve on the distribution of the ball and retaining possession. Carlos Sanchez will continue to be the destroyer in midfield allowing Juan Cuadrado and Rodriguez to work their magic going forward. Rodriguez has been the star of the show with 3 goals and two assists to his name. His technical ability is first class while his touch, vision and ability to get pass his marker is a joy to watch. Teofilo Gutierez should retain his starting spot upfront despite Jackson Martinez’s brace against Japan.

Oscar Tabarez should keep Fernando Muslera between the sticks for Uruguay while Diego Godin and Jose Maria Gimenez should continue in central defense. Maxi Pereira and Martin Caceres should keep their full back positions supporting the attack but ensuring that they fulfill their defensive assignments.

Egidio Arevalo Rios is a mainstay in midfield and should be joined by the energetic Walter Gargano and Alvaro Gonzales. Now that Suarez is out Edinson Cavani is now the main man in attack and has to find the net if Uruguay is to progress. Christian Stuani and Gaston Ramirez will assist the PSG striker in an effort to score goals and try to win the match.

Colombia are clear favourites to advance to the quarter-final after impressing in the group stages and by the looks of things they can improve and get better which is bad news for the others. Uruguay has been dealt a huge blow with their talisman out through suspension. They have been there many times and will be used to feeling the pressure but Colombia may just have too much quality in attack for them to stop Los Cafeteros.

Players to Watch

Colombia – James Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado, David Ospina.

Uruguay – Edinson Cavani, Diego Godin,

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