Colombia-Uruguay at the Maracana – preview
Colombia top up Group C with 9 points and 3 wins
Uruguay came back from an opening 3-1 defeat to Costa Rica, beat England and Italy to qualify.
Oscar Tabarez, Uruguay coach after the game vs. Italy won 1-0
“We tried to play our very best football against a side who always looked to be our most difficult opponents, which they were. We changed the way we played in response to the team facing us: an Italy side with a lot of quality in midfield and which lined up with two strikers, unlike the first two matches. We managed to adapt to the situation when Marchisio was sent off, and we tried to spend more time in their half. Luckily for us, it paid off”.
“We didn’t make it easy for ourselves, starting the way we did, and it was a miracle that we pulled it off in the end. Now we can start thinking about the last 16, but no further. We respect everyone but fear no one.”
Jose Pekerman, Colombia coach
“Uruguay we know; we’re going to be taking on one of the strongest teams in South America and the world and some very experienced players who never know when they’re beaten. They are going to provide a very difficult challenge for us”.
