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Uruguay-Tahiti Preview: La Celeste looking to book semi-final spot with big win

Sunday, June 23, 2013 by Goal.com

A vital victory over Nigeria made Oscar Tabarez's men favourites to qualify and only Eddy Etaeta's porous side stand in the way of a spot in the next round

Probable lineups

Uruguay go into their final Group B fixture in third position, but will be confident of bettering Nigeria's result against Spain and reaching the semi-finals.

La Celeste's victory against the Super Eagles gave them the upper hand in the battle to advance, but they will be keen to show an improvement in front of goal and secure a large victory against the Oceania champions.

Oscar Tabarez will only be without Diego Lugano who is suspended having already picked up two yellow cards in the tournament. Liverpool's Sebastian Coates is therefore likely to fill in at the centre of defence.

The coach may take the opportunity to rotate some more players, despite the need for a large number of goals, but Uruguay cannot afford to underestimate their opponents at risk of enormous embarrassment.

Eddy Etaeta, meanwhile, has a full completent to select from in his Tahiti squad. The Pacific islanders, who have become the darlings of the tournament despite conceding 16 goals in two games, know that they face another tough test and will need to markedly improve defensively in order to keep the score down.

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