Bearing in mind its tiny population, it is incredible that the country
produces so many top class players.
But it is inevitable that Uruguay
cannot compete with the likes of Brazil in terms of strength in depth.
have to get the best out of the resources they have - which is why Alvaro
Recoba is so important to them.
Nicknamed 'El Chino,' Recoba will lead the charge to Asia with the burden of
responsibility on his shoulders.
Uruguay would seem to have few problems at
Although they finished fifth in South America's qualifying table,
they had the best defensive record in the competition.
But to make progess
in the World Cup they will have to win games and score goals, and here they
look to the creative genius of their star player.
Recoba, however, managed just one goal in the marathon qualifying
The press were quick to tell him that it was not enough, and he
was quick to respond.
"In a country such as ours," he says, "where things are not going well in
general, it's tough that people place such importance on the national team.