Uruguay vs. Peru: It's now or never

Uruguay and Peru will clash in Montevideo, as both sides need a win to boost chances to qualify for South Africa 2010. Watch the South American Qualifiers on JumpTV.
Uruguay face round 6 affected not only by their last 1-1 home draw against Venezuela on Saturday but also by the way they performed: under pressure, nervously, and lacking ideas.

If they were put a lot of pressure to win over Venezuela, now the pressure will be higher because the team coached by Oscar Tabarez lost for out of nine points in home games; so, a new defeat would mean a farewell to their World Cup hopes.

Tabarez said the players "are better after the shock of drawing against the Venezolan", an opponent which seemed to be weaker.

"We cannot enter the field thinking about the draw against Venezuela. That's history, so we must move on and get focused to win over Peru, which would mean the beginning of our recovery", Tabarez added.

Uruguay have five points at the South American standings, and they won for the last time in their debut against Bolivia in Montevideo.

Tabarez at least can count on midfielder Cristian Rodriguez, who missed the game against the Venezolan due to aggregate yellow cards.

In addition, Juan Castillo is said to replace keeper Fabian Carini, who made some blunders in the last games, and even it is said "there may be a surprise".

Peru are also in need of a win because they have just three points; they are at the bottom of the standings together with Bolivia, so, if they don't grab a positive result, their chances to qualify for next World Cup would fade.

They drew 1-1 against Colombia last Saturday; despite that, captain Nolberto Solano said they are able to defeat Uruguay.

"We must learn from Venezuela's performance, to play carefully but without quitting the attack and try to surprise the Uruguayan defenders with quick ocunterattacks", he said.

Peru coach Jose Chemo del Solar won't count on defender Walter Vilchez due to aggregate yellow card; he will be replaced by Miguel Angel Villalta.


Probable line-ups:

Uruguay: Juan Castillo; Maximiliano Pereira, Diego Lugano, Diego Godin, Marin Caceres; Diego Perez, Walter Gargano, Cristian Rodriguez; Diego Forlan, Sebastian Abreu, Luis Suarez. Coach: Oscar Washington Tabarez.

Peru: Leao Butron; Amilton Prado, Alberto Rodriguez, Miguel Angel Villalta, Juan Vargas; Rainer Torres, Nolberto Solano, Donny Neyra, Martin Hidalgo; Juan Carlos Mariņo, Paolo Guerrero. Coach: Jose del Solar.

Referee: Pablo Pozo (CHI)
Venue: Centenario
Time: 18:00 ET


Watch Uruguay vs Peru Live & On Demand on JumpTV.