Uruguay prides itself on a glorious past. Its national team won two World Cups (in 1930 and 1950) during a time when it contested for every major international trophy. But the situation has changed drastically. Since it last won the Copa América in 1995, Uruguay has nothing to be proud of.
But over the past few years, the national team has improved in many aspects, and this year’s Copa América is a great opportunity for La Celeste to put all its hard work into practice. With many players excelling in the top European leagues, Uruguay has one of the strongest squads in the competition, and its recent good form suggests it could contest for the title.
Inter Milan’s Álvaro Recoba is undoubtedly Uruguay’s main inspiration, and the talented striker is looking forward to demonstrate to the world why his team should be considered one of the deadliest on the continent.
I caught up with Recoba just before the Copa América began (he sat out injured during Uruguay’s shock 3-0 defeat to Peru on Tuesday). He told me exactly what we can expect from them in Venezuela, and why they haven’t been able to perform on the big stage in recent competitions.
SI.com: Uruguay has won the Copa América 14 times before, but what can we expect this time around?
Recoba: For us to have a good tournament, and to try to go as far as possible. If we reach the final stages of the competition we won’t look back, and will try to make it 15 titles. This is our main objective, and hopefully we can achieve it.
SI.com: As a 31-year-old veteran, what does playing the Copa mean to you?
Recoba: Well, it will be my last. I don’t think I’ll be able to play next time, so I’m looking forward to it, and am hoping to play to the best of my ability. It will be my last opportunity to impress for the national team, so hopefully I can help us win it.
SI.com: Does this make you feel that you have more responsibilities than other members of the squad?
Recoba: It does — I am one of the players with most experience with the national team. Many of the younger guys in the squad haven’t played a Copa América before, so we [the older players] will try to pass our experience onto them. I feel there’s a good balance between youth and experience.
SI.com: Who are the main candidates to win the title in Venezuela?
Recoba: Like always, the same ones, Argentina and Brazil. I think they are the most difficult teams for their players and history, but when taking a look at the squad we have, I think we can match them. If we hit top form at the right time we could be unstoppable.
SI.com: With Peru, Bolivia and Venezuela, Uruguay’s group can’t be too difficult, can it?
Recoba: I don’t think it will be easy. The group is quite assessable for us but it isn’t easy. In competitions like these, all the teams are difficult, so first we have to play the matches and then we’ll see.
SI.com: Uruguay has an abundance of highly skilled players, but why is it so difficult for the national team to win something?
Recoba: I think the reason is because we have had lots of problems in the past. All the other teams [in the continent] have improved enormously, but we haven’t. Gradually things have been improving for us and hopefully this Copa América is the start of a new beginning for the national team.
SI.com: Everyone is aware of your incredible quality, but why has it been so long since you’ve turned out on a regular basis for Inter Milan?
Recoba: Last year I had some physical problems and was unable to train normally. But for a couple of months now I’ve been feeling really good, and have gotten into much better shape. I’ve been working very hard for this, and will be in my best form during the Copa América.
SI.com: There’s no doubt Uruguayan soccer has been affected by internal problems. But have you seen a change of attitude from the national team’s squad members since Oscar Washington Tabárez was appointed as manager?
Recoba: I have, there has been a change. We have been doing things right for the last few years now, but haven’t had much luck. We have some world-class players that are taking things very seriously, and with some luck, everything should work out for us.
Gregory Sica
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