World Cup

One of Uruguay’s nicknames is La Garra Charrúa. Garra meaning claw in Spanish, the nickname signals Uruguayans' relentless disposition; the fact they are willing to use nails, teeth and claws to get what they want.

Former Uruguay player and international star Diego Forlán once told the following anecdote referring to Uruguay’s traditional tough play.

Manager Óscar Washington Tavárez would sometimes tell his players “let’s end this match playing with 11 men,” in an effort to prevent them from playing too harshly and getting a red card.

It’s been 36 years of waiting for Peruvians to see La Blanquirroja at a World Cup. Their first two matches at the tournament were nothing short of heartbreak. Their first match was a dominating performance against Denmark that will forever be remembered for Christian Cueva’s horrendous penalty miss. Peru lost 1-0. Their next match against powerhouse France was more of the same, as no Peru goal developed and the country's World Cup dreams ended.

This is where the introduction usually goes but fire the torpedoes!

The final match day for Groups C and D kick off tomorrow. In the morning, Australia will face an already eliminated Peru team. The Socceroos must beat Peru and hope France beats Denmark in addition to making up goal difference. Then Lionel Messi and Argentina will somehow try to find their way into the knockout stage when they take on a Nigeria team who also has a good chance to advance.