Uruguay set to begin title defence

12 June 2015 15:47

Uruguay begin their Copa America title defence against Jamaica in Saturday's Group B encounter in Antofagasta.

La Celeste have travelled to Chile without four players that proved pivotal for Uruguay to claim a record 15th Copa America four years ago.

Former Manchester United forward Diego Forlan retired from international duty while veteran trio Diego Lugano, Martin Caceres and Sebastian Abreu are unavailable through injuries.

With in-form striker Luis Suarez, who helped Barcelona win a Primera Division, Copa del Rey and Champions League treble this season, serving a FIFA ban the pressure will fall heavily on Paris St Germain's Edinson Cavani to deliver up front.

"We have to be humble, which is something that has characterised this team throughout the years," Cavani said to Uruguay newspaper El Pais. "We are going into the tournament with a low profile, as we have always done.

"Every game is difficult and we respect Jamaica.

"We cannot underestimate Jamaica, we just hope we can do a good job against them."

Victory is a must for Uruguay considering they then take on last year's World Cup finalists Argentina three days later before ending the group stages against Paraguay on June 20.

Jamaica, who along with Mexico are the two invited teams from CONCACAF to compete at the South American championship, will play in the competition for the first time in their history.

"We want to improve ourselves," Jamaica's German coach Winfried Schafer said. "We hope that Uruguay will not have a good day."

Both teams have met each other three times over the years, with Jamaica winning one, a 2-0 triumph in 2004, and losing two of those encounters.

Crystal Palace defender Adrian Mariappa, Leicester City defender Wes Morgan, Leeds United midfielder Rodolph Austin and Leyton Orient midfielder Jobi McAnuff are all expected to feature for the Caribbean outfit this weekend.

Uruguay have won three matches on the trot since losing to Costa Rica in an international friendly in November.

Bordeaux striker Diego Rolan is set to partner Cavani In Uruguay's attack.

Source: PA