Two nations looking to return to form will do battle today in an international friendly between Uruguay and Slovenia. 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 live can be found here.
Though Luis Suarez will not feature in tonight's friendly against Slovenia, the Liverpool striker is still optimistic about making an appearance in Uruguay's World Cup opener. Head coach Oscar Tabarez has lauded his development and expects him to be a key figure in the development of Uruguayan football for years to come.
"There is a big difference between the current Luis Suarez and the youngster who impressed at the 2007 Under-20 World Cup", he told Inside Futbol. "Making the difference when you are 18 and playing against same age opponent, is not the same as making it while you are growing up facing more difficult stages, like playing in Holland or in England."
"I remember him in his first game with Uruguay. He was still playing with Nacional Montevideo, made a lot of mistakes in front of goal and people booed him; however, I always saw in him something those who criticised him didn't: he had no fear of his opponent and always tried to pass him and go straight to the goal," he added.
"The same he does today. Personality and a strong character did the rest."
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Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: With no Suarez to rely on, the productivity of the national team falls squarely on the shoulders of Edinson Cavani. The 27-year-old made 30 league appearances for Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 16 goals and adding two assists.
Uruguay's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Musiera; Cáceres, Godín, Lugano, Pereira; Rodriguez, Rios, Gargano, Ramirez; Hernandez, Cavani
Slovenia's Projected Lineup (4-4-1-1): Handanovic; Brecko, Ilic, Cesar, Jokic; Kurtic, Mertelj, Kirm, Pecnik; Ilicic; Novakovic
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