Five potential opponents in knockout stages for Uruguay in World Cup 2022

La Celeste is one of the dark horses of the 2022 edition of the tournament.

Uruguay began their World Cup 2022 campaign with a draw against South Korea, and they will be hoping to finish first in their group because finishing second will put major nations on their way to the final. This time, Uruguay appears to be underdogs with a decent squad that includes Nunez, Uruguay, and Federico Valverde.

Uruguay is seeded in Group H, which includes Portugal, Ghana, and South Korea. Portugal already has three points after a 3-2 win over Ghana; Uruguay seems unlikely to finish first, but this talented side should be equipped for any battle. We take a look at five potential knockout stage opponents of Uruguay.

Brazil (Round of 16)

If Uruguay finishes second, they will face South America counter-part Brazil in the Round of 16. In addition, Brazil has a significant advantage over Uruguay in all competitions. A round-of-16 meeting between these two could evoke memories of World Cup matches from the 1990s.

 The 1950 World Cup final in Maracana and the semi-finals in 1970. It will be difficult for Uruguay to proceed if Brazil enters the picture, and their talisman Neymar will be fit by then after sustaining an ankle injury.

Belgium (Round of 16)

They may face Belgium if they finish first. Belgium doesn't appear to be a concern this World Cup after eking out a 1-0 victory against Canada. Uruguay can stun Belgium if they play with greater tenacity. Uruguay's next two group games will be critical. They have only met twice, once in the 1990 World Cup, which Belgium won 3-1, and once in a friendly match, in which Belgium triumphed 2-0.

Uruguay will be looking for their first win against the Red Devils, but this will be a fairly tricky test, and if they make it to the quarter-finals, morale will build.

France (Quarter-final)

If Uruguay reaches further in the competition, it will be a rematch of the 2018 World Cup. France is once again the dominant competitor, this is going to be a difficult affair. Both countries have met ten times, each winning three games and the remaining matches finishing in a tie.

Their World Cup match is also all square, but Uruguay will have to battle beyond its capacity to topple France. France and Uruguay both have two World Cup trophies, with France currently reigning as champion. Uruguay has a strong roster with individual potential, but they can compete with any major power if they work all together against potential knockout opponents.

Spain (Semi-final)

The toughest test will be against Spain, as the La Roja are acknowledged for dominating the game, and Uruguay will receive very few moments on the ball. Those instances will be essential, as to how much they produce of that possession. Uruguay has clinical attackers that Spain does not have since they work as a unit and create chances, whereas Uruguay will have to rely on their striking talents.

Both countries have met ten times, although only twice in significant tournaments, each winning five games. They last played in the World Cup in 1950, when both were placed in Group A, and the match ended in a 2-2 split.

Argentina (Semi-final)

Argentina is the only country Uruguay has played the most matches against. With a 10% chance of making the semi-finals, they will face their South American opponents, whom they have met 193 times in all competitions. Uruguay boasts 59 wins, Argentina has 89, and 45 matches have resulted in a draw.

On the other hand, Argentina and Uruguay have only met twice in the World Cup, in the 1930 final and the 1986 round of 16. Both teams have a good squad, but Argentina will have an advantage due to its individual brilliance. Uruguay will have to redefine probabilities to secure the final slot, and it will be a tight match.