Two nations looking to return to form will do battle today in an international friendly between Uruguay and North Ireland. The Uruguayan World Cup tune-up scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET will be held at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. Information on how and where to stream the match can be found here.
Uruguay were looking to repeat their 2010 World Cup performance in this year's rendition of the tournament. That, however, took a massive blow after it was revealed that Luis Suarez would be forced to undergo knee surgery. He remains optimistic about his chances to start in Brazil, but that isn't enough to do away with the concerns of his teammate and compatriot, Edinson Cavani.
"We're all a bit discouraged by what happened. Injuries are always ugly and more so at this time. I think we have to leave him alone now, so he can have a good recovery with no anxiety on him," Cavani said in an interview with El Pais (via Sky Sports).
"We wish he can join us as soon as possible," he added.
Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin echoed the same sentiment: "When I heard [about Suarez] I said, 'No, not now, please.' The truth is that I felt ill. It is something that nobody expected. He is our figurehead, our star."
"Now what remains is for us to support him. I've talked to him and he is very optimistic."
Will Uruguay be able to cope without its star player? Tell us @SportsWN
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: With Luis Suarez still recovering from injury, an experienced Diego Forlan will return to the top of the club's formation. The 35-year-old had a standout performance in the 2010 World Cup and has since joined the J-League. In 13 league appearances this, Forlan has managed to score six goals.
Uruguay's Projected Lineup (4-4-2): Muslera; Pereira, Lugano, Coates, Cáceres; Rodriguez, Ríos, Gargano, Ramírez; Forlán, Cavani
Northern Ireland's Projected Lineup (4-1-4-1): Mannus; McGivern, Bruce, McAuley, McLaughlin; Norwood; Ward, Davis, Brunt, McGinn; Paterson
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