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Uruguay coach Tabarez excited to play at Wembley and Old Trafford
Apr 25, 2012 4:50:00 PM
Having learned that his side would face Great Britain in the Olympics, the Charrua coach requested the attitude of his troops match the challenge of playing in the iconic stadia
Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has revealed his hopes for the 2012 Olympic Games after being drawn alongside hosts Great Britain, and affirmed that playing in some of the country's most illustrious stadiums had to serve as motivation for the Copa America holders.The Celeste, who made the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2010 one year before lifting their 15th Copa America with victory over Paraguay, will face the hosts, Senegal and the United Arab Emirates in Group A of the competition.
They will kick off their campaign with a game against the UAE at Old Trafford on June 26. Three days later Wembley will be the venue for Uruguay's meeting with Senegal, before ending the first round at the Millennium Stadium against the side coached by Stuart Pearce.
Speaking on Wednesday, Tabarez expressed his joy at playing in England's most famous stadiums, and pointed out that his young stars had to rise to the challenge.
"The places we will play serve as great motivation, they have a big place in the history of football," Tabarez explained to El Observador.
"Playing at Old Trafford and the new Wembley, these are things which motivate you, and they will test the players' attitude."
Referring to the competition on a more general level, 'El Maestro' singled out Brazil, Spain, Mexico and the hosts as the strongest teams on display.
"The draw revealed that, as the group heads, these are the teams that due to their experience at youth level will have the best chance of winning: Brazil, Spain and Mexico," he stated.
"The other team is the host nation who we have to consider as a special case; it will mean a lot to them as they are the organisers."
Uruguay's young guns enjoyed mixed fortunes during 2011. An impressive second-placed finish during the South American Championships, which sealed qualification to London 2012, was followed by an exit during the group phase in the Under-20 World Cup held in Colombia.
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