Uruguay international Edinson Cavani believes there is a ‘good feeling’within the squad ahead of the summer World Cup in Russia. The two-time champions underperformed during the previous edition of the tournament where they onlyreached the round of 16 stage in Brazil but Cavanisays the team has shown sufficient growth since then.
Speaking after the 3-0 win over Uzbekistan, Cavani said: “I think all Uruguayans have a good feeling because we have grown as a team, and also because we have shown a lot as a team. People have recognised that over time. I think this good feeling is important because we can feel it from the pitch and sometimes that is what we need to give that little extra in certain moments.”
Cavani started Uruguay’s final warm-up game prior to the World Cup where goals fromGiorgian De Arrascaeta, Luis Suarez and Jose Maria Gimenez secured a 3-1 triumph over Uzbekistan. With the victory, Uruguay go into the World Cup with three straight victories on the bounce and they have succumbed to just one defeat in the last nine matches.
Uruguay begin their World Cup campaign against Egypt on June 15 and the game may promise to be a thriller, should Mohamed Salah make the playing field for the Pharaohs. The Liverpool ace is presently recuperating from a shoulder problem sustained during the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid but he is widely expected to make the playing field against the South American nation.
Following this, Uruguay will take on Saudi Arabia five days later before finishing the World Cup group against hosts Russia. Oscar Tabarez’s side are not regarded as one among the favourites for this summer’s tournament in Russia but with some luck and standout performances from the attack front, they could lodge a strong challenge for the title.