Some people told me three stories was impossible. I just laughed and did it anyway, and it was one of the best decisions of my life. Perhaps four stories is pushing it a little bit, but I think it's worth a go, so here I am, story number four!
With the World Cup looming in just two days' time, I feel a strong urge to do a national team story, but I don't want anything simple like Spain, Brazil, or Germany. However, I still want a team that perhaps has a dark horse shot at winning the upcoming tournament, and also a team with players I love.
The logical choice was Uruguay. Filled with the talented likes of Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, and personal favorite Alvaro Pereira, the Celeste have a great chance of upsetting the odds and making a real splash this summer, and I plan to do the same in game. I don't want to just do this World Cup, however; I want to make Uruguay the powerhouse it was long ago, and restore it's prestige as one of the world's very best.
The title, referencing "The Ghost of Maracanazo", may not make any sense to you. The term originates from the 1950 World Cup, which was hosted in Brazil. In the final of that game in the Estadio de Maracana, Uruguay came from behind to shock Brazil with a 2-1 victory. Maracanazo translates roughly to "blow of the Maracana", and the Ghost of Maracanazo is supposedly set to lead Uruguay to another World Cup title in the 2014 World Cup, again to be hosted in Brazil.
As to who the manager will be? Well, you'll find out soon enough...
The following is a bit of information on the footballing history of Uruguay:
General Information
Football Association Founded: 1900Capital City: Montevideo
Nickname: La Celeste
Manager: Oscar Tabarez
Rivals: Brazil (Brasil-Uruguay Derby)
Stadium: Estadio Centenario (65,235 capacity)
Competition History
World Cup: (2)1930, 1950
Copa America: (15)
1916, 1917, 1920, 1923, 1924, 1926, 1935, 1942, 1956, 1959, 1967, 1983, 1987, 1995, 2011
Olympic Games: (2)
1924, 1928
Pan American Games: (1)
1983
Copa Rio Branco: (4)
1940, 1946, 1948, 1967