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Journalism of Courage
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This is an archive article published on December 20, 1997
Uruguay surprise all
RIYADH, Dec 19: Uruguay, the only past winner of World Cup who will not be going to France next June, are the unlikely lead attraction as t...
RIYADH, Dec 19: Uruguay, the only past winner of World Cup who will not be going to France next June, are the unlikely lead attraction as the Confederations Cup reaches the semifinal stage in Riyadh.
The Uruguayans, rebuilding their team under new coach Victor Pua, have made the biggest impression at the eight-nation tournament with a squad whose average age is 21. Seven goals and a 100 percent record in their three group matches have even come as something of a surprise to Pua.
8220;Our young players looked nervous at the start but they have quickly realised they can play at the top level,8221; said Pua.
Uruguay have seven members from their under-20 team, which finished runners-up at the World Championships in Morocco in June. Among them are teenagers Nicolas Olivera and Marcelo Zalayeta, who have emerged as among the competition8217;s outstanding performers.
Uruguay play Australia in their semifinal match tomorrow, preceded by Brazil against Czech Republic. Australia gave a lesson on how to keep Brazil in check in forcing a goalless draw in their group match earlier this week It was defensive display that will not go unnoticed .
A semifinal tightly-disciplined defensive pettern is expected against Uruguay, despite the suspension of key defender Steve Horvat. He picked up a second yellow card on Tuesday.
Brazil are also due to be without key players for their match against the Czechs. Denilson is out with a shoulder injury and star attraction Ronaldo is expected to be rested after a tired looking performance against Mexico on Tuesday.
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