By David Gold
July 10 – A strong Uruguay squad for the London 2012 Olympic tournament will feature Liverpool duo Luis Suárez and Sebastián Coates as well as Edinson Cavani of Napoli.
Suárez (pictured top) is, along with Cavani and Arévalo Rios, selected as one of three players over the age of 23 teams are allowed to call up.
Coach Oscar Washington Tabárez has also named Abel Hernández, Gastón Ramírez and Nicolás Lodeiro in his 18-man squad.
The trio, along with Suárez, Coates and Cavani, will form the basis of what looks like one of the strongest teams going to London.
Suárez was in stunning form a year ago finishing as the tournament’s top scorer as Uruguay claimed the Copa America title, and Tabárez will hope he can repeat that form in London.
Cavani (pictured below, in blue) will also be a key player in the squad – his running, skill and finishing ability have made him one of Europe’s most dangerous strikers.
Rios should provide plenty of energy and solidity in the middle of the pitch.
Combined with the skill and creativity of Hernández, Ramirez and Lodeiro, Uruguay should pose problems to their rivals, not least hosts Britain whom they meet in the group stage.
Also selected are goalkeepers Martín Campaña and Leandro Gelpi, defenders Ramón Arias, Alexis Rolin, Emiliano Albin, Diego Polenta and Matías Aguirregaray, midfielders Maximiliano Calzada and Diego Rodríguez, and forwards Tabaré Viudez and Jonathan Urretaviscaya.
On paper at least, the world number-three-ranked team should be favourites to advance from its group ahead of Britain, Senegal and the United Arab Emirates.
Uruguay is a double Olympic football champion, but has not won the tournament since 1928.
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