FIFA World Cup Qualifier 2021: Why Uruguay should be pleased with their performance vs Colombia – tactical analysis

The international break is upon us, and it has started with a bang in South America as national team powerhouses Colombia and Uruguay faced off in a crucial World Cup qualifier. Colombia went into the game, with a great deal of confidence, with them defeating Chile at home 3-1 in their last outing. Additionally, Colombia placed 3rd in last summer’s Copa America, eventually falling to the outright winners of the competition, Argentina, who beat them on penalties.

As for Uruguay, they sit 3rd in the World Cup qualifying table and won their last two games in the process. Both nations involved have shown over the years that they have the quality in players to play exciting football as well as going far in tournaments, taking the previous World Cups and Copa America as case and point.

This tactical analysis will centre around Uruguay’s first-half dominance and the alterations of their build-up play in possession. Furthermore, we will be looking at half-time alterations made by both teams and lastly, Colombia’s problem with the ball.

Line-ups

Versus Colombia, Uruguay used a different shape compared to their last game, switching from a 4-4-2 diamond to a 4-3-3 shape. Fernando Muslera started in goal with Nahitan Nández, former and current Atletico Madrid centre-backs Diego Godin and Jose Maria Gimenez, and Roma’s Matias Vina as the back four. In their midfield there was Rodrigo Bentancur, Federico Valverde and Matías Vecino. Lastly, Uruguays attacking trident up front during this match was composed of Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Brian Rodríguez and former Barcelona and reigning La Liga champion Luis Suárez.

For the away side, Colombia remained in their standard 4-4-2 shape with national team captain, David Ospina. The defence was made up of Yerry Mina, Stefan Medina, Carlos Cuesta and Johan Mojica. In midfield, Juventus’ Juan Cuadrado, Wílmar Barrios, Mateus Uribe, Luis Díaz. Up-front, Radamel Falcao and Rafael Santos Borré leading the line for Los Cafeteros.

Uruguays early dominance

When Uruguay had possession of the ball, they made good use of it as they were able to pile on the pressure during the beginning stages of this match. As mentioned prior, Uruguay lined up in a 4-3-3 formation and during the build phase of play, Uruguay pushed their fullbacks high and wide and positioned themselves on the midfield line in the middle third.

Uruguay’s