Olympic Football: Senegal vs Uruguay preview

July 28, 2012
By: Matthew Clarke

Senegal did well to keep their qualifying hopes alive by holding hosts Great Britain to a 1-1 draw, but they now face another tricky tie against one of the tournament favourites.

Uruguay experienced major problems in what should have been an easy game against UAE, but Oscar Tabarez’s side did record an important victory after coming from a goal down.

The Teranga Lions were virtually written off after Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse and Dame N’Doye were ruled out of the tournament, but their opening game showed Senegal are not there only to make the numbers.

Abdoukarime Diouf’s side worked really hard throughout the game and fought valiantly for every single ball, and the equalizer scored by Moussa Konate was a just reward for their efforts.

Senegal now plan to make life difficult for Uruguay as well, and the Teranga Lions are 2.00 (1/1) with 888Sport not to lose this game. With a tight game expected at Wembley Stadium, you should know Ladbrokes has a special goalless draw refund offer in place.

Midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye is doubtful after picking up injury against Team GB, but all other players are fit to feature.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): O. Mane – Ciss, Ba, P. Gueye, Souare – Kouyate, Diame, Z. Toure – Konate, Balde, S. Mane.

What was supposed to be a mere walk in the park turned out to be an extremely difficult encounter for Uruguay as La Celeste were completely outplayed by enthusiastic UAE side in the first half.

The free-kick goal Gaston Ramirez scored just before the half-time break proved crucial, and Oscar Tabarez’s men managed to win the game thanks to Nicolas Lodeiro after showing a massive improvement in the second period.

The experienced boss admitted after the game that his side were experienced big fitness problems and with the clash against hard-working Senegal side coming just three days later, everything suggests La Celeste will be in for another difficult encounter.

Even if Uruguay are technically superior and far more experienced than their opponents, odds of 1.90 (9/10) offered by Stan James on the Copa America champions do not look too tempting.

Boss Oscar Tabarez is unlikely to make major changes to the side, although match winner Nicolas Lodeiro should start.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Campana – Albin, Arias, Coates, Rolin – Lodeiro, Arevalo Rios, Calzada – Suarez, Cavani, Ramirez.

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