World Cup Record: Won 1930 & 1950

Manager: Oscar Tabarez
Key Player: Diego Forlan
Qualified: 5th, South America (beat Costa Rica in play-off)
Odds: 100/1

Uruguay made it to South Africa via their now customary appearance in the play-offs having finished fifth in the South American qualifying zone. Only missing out on automatic qualification after losing at home to Argentina in their final match, so it was that they went to the play-offs again for the third consecutive time, defeating Costa Rica 2-1 on aggregate. Winning six, drawing six and losing six, they scored 28 goals – a tally bettered only by the top two, Brazil & Chile. Diego Forlan led the way with seven while Ajax winger Luis Suarez & veteran Sebastian Abreu both hit five. Mainly due to their often brutal displays back in Mexico ‘86, ‘La Celeste’ have always had a reputation among European observers for a somewhat uncompromising approach to the game. This label is probably now a little unfair toward the country which produced such sublime talents as Enzo Francescoli & Alvaro Recoba, and with the emphasis now placed firmly on attack, the class of 2010 now have the opportunity to make their mark.

Diego Forlan

Age: 30
Position: Striker
Club: Atletico Madrid
Caps: 60 (22 goals)

Still remembered in England chiefly for his less than successful stint at Manchester Utd, Forlan’s subsequent move to Spain saw him twice crowned La Liga’s top scorer. 105 goals in 185 games for Villarreal & Atletico Madrid is a much more accurate reflection of his abilities. Often playing against highly competitive sides from South America, his international record of 22 in 60 stands comparison with anything else in the game. A stunning volley against Senegal in 2002 was one of the highlights of the tournament, and his team-mates will be looking for more of the same in South Africa.