Suarez seeking redemption
(AP):
Uruguay’s priority will be keeping Luis Suarez tamed at this World Cup. After the striker was expelled from the 2014 tournament in disgrace for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini, Uruguay were eliminated by Colombia in the round of 16.
Suarez promises he is a reformed character and will be better behaved in Russia than in Brazil, where he scored twice before being banned.
“It was my mistake,” Suarez said. “So I have a debt to repay to myself and Uruguay, to try to show a good image.”
THINGS LOOKING BRIGHTER
Things were already starting to look brighter for two-time World Cup champions Uruguay, based on qualifying at least.
After enduring four consecutive World Cup playoffs and only reaching three of the tournaments, Uruguay secured an automatic place in Russia by finishing second behind Brazil in qualifying.
Oscar Tabarez will lead Uruguay into his fourth World Cup after a first trip in 1990 followed by 2010 and 2014. A Tabarez team has always made it out of the group stage, including a semi-final appearance in South Africa eight years ago.
A former schoolteacher and professional player, Tabarez led Uruguay to the Copa America title in 2011. As a club coach, he led Penarol to the Copa Libertadores title in 1987 and Boca Juniors to an Argentine league title in 1992.
The 71-year-old Tabarez has used a wheelchair since he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome in 2016.
There is little doubt Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera will be between the posts for his third World Cup.
The Atletico Madrid partnership of Diego Godin and José Gimenez also anchor the heart of Uruguay’s defence. Godin has made more than 100 appearances since his debut in 2005 and scored at his third World Cup with a header against Italy in 2014. The 23year-old Gimenez offers a solid companion to a player nine years his senior and already has one World Cup under his belt.