Uruguay 2-0 Venezuela Player Ratings: Uruguay With a Dominating Performance to Seal Their Spot in the World Cup

Uruguay emerged victorious against Venezuela in the antepenultimate match week of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers. The hosts have had a disappointing stint for the past couple of matches, whereas the visitors have started to get a grip of the match after two consecutive wins following a terrible start.

The game began with Uruguay having an upper edge, as they were seen making a good number of attempts in the attack. Every move made by them was nothing short of stunning. But everything looked fine until it came to the finishing and scoring. Waiting in the final third was the Venezuelan National Team backline, who were desperate to defend and keep the ball away from danger. To the surprise of the Uruguayan Football Team, the opponents were able to defend even more beautifully. However, Uruguay kept knocking and after a moment, they broke open the door. Rodrigo Aguirre opened the accounts for Uruguay from a header that came off a corner from Araujo.

In the second half, Giorgian De Arrascaeta doubled the delight for the hosts as Bentancur, out of nowhere, recovered a ball from Herrera. His presence of mind to identify Arrascaeta was free led to him providing a beautiful pass to him, which was easily converted. Later, both teams attempted to attack, but the defence stood like a rock and at full time it was 2-0 in favour of Uruguay. Here are the Uruguay vs Venezuela Player Ratings

Uruguay National Football Team Player Ratings vs Venezuela

Goalkeeper

Santiago Mele - 6.5/10

Mele was not at all put under a real test, as the opponents were pretty weak in the attack. Whenever they came forward to attack, his defenders stood solid like a wall. Had a few routine saves and clearances. Held his hands and shined when called upon during the second half.

Defenders

Nahitan Nandez - 7/10

Nandez was cool when the opponents put pressure on the backline. Effectively communicated with the keeper and made some good decisions to prevent the opponents from making their moves. Equally balanced his obligations in the attack and the defence.

Ronald Araujo - 7/10

Won a good share of the duels involved. Was the source of most of the long balls that came from the Uruguayan Team's half. Had multiple defensive and attacking contributions. Alongside making clearances, the player provided 11 passes into the final third.

Jose Maria Gimenez - 6.8/10

Marshalled the midfield. Made multiple clearances and blocks to keep his fortress safe. Had a relatively balanced approach. Did not go too physical and aggressive. Did well and was able to get a clean sheet. It was rather like a leader with effective communication.

Mathias Olivera - 7/10

Initially, the player moved higher up to provide support to Maximillian in the attack where making some good contributions. Was solid in the flank. Had a very good stat except for possession lost, which he lost almost 21 times in the match. Apart from that, he had a great day.

Midfielders

Rodrigo Bentancur - 7/10

Crafted some beautiful play in the midfield. Stood tall in the attacking third to pose a threat to the opponents during set pieces. He was seen playing physically and had a pivotal role in the match. Made an unexpected recovery and gave a key pass to Arrascaeta, who converted it with power.

Manuel Ugarte - 6.8/10

Was silent throughout the match. Though his name was not celebrated much in the match, his presence was essential in the team's victory. Covered almost every blade of the grass and had a solid performance as a midfielder.

Giorgian De Arrascaeta - 7.5/10

Had a great passing accuracy, won most of the duels he was involved in. Recovered the ball efficiently and his presence in the midfield became key. Sent the ball into the back of the net with power and precision to mark the second goal for his team.

Forwards

Facundo Pellistri - 7/10

Initiated attacks from the wings early into the match. Had the autonomy to penetrate inside the box and create tensions as Nandez assisted him the the winger position. Had a good day at the office.

Rodrigo Aguirre - 7/10

Had an average first half with minimal contributions. However, in the final minutes of the half, the player headed in a ball that came off a corner to score the opener for his team. Since then, the player was pumped up and was seen pressing hard and attacking.

Maximiliano Araujo - 7.2/10

Was able to dribble past the opponent full backs and provided some timely crosses to his teammates. Won some fouls in the final third, which gave his team an upper edge. Provided an assist to the first goal in the form of a corner.

Substitutes

Sebastian Caceres- NA

Guillermo Varela - NA

Nicola Fonseca - NA

Manager

Marcelo Bielsa - 7/10

Had a good day after a disappointing loss against Paraguay. Had his share of ups and downs, but was able to regroup and collectively dominate the game as a team.

Venezuela National Football Team Player Ratings vs Uruguay

Goalkeeper

Rafael Romo - 5.5/10

Was subject to some serious pressure as the hosts aggressively fought for the opener from the very first second. Did not have much to do to stop the goals scored by the opponents. But the player did whatever he could to stop other attempts made by the hosts.

Defenders

Wilker Angel - 6.5/10

He was probably the only positive for the Venezuela National Team in the match. Made almost a dozen clearances. Had a part to play in multiple interceptions. Made recoveries, provided long balls and had a good individual performance.

Nahuel Ferraresi - 6/10

Had a solid first half as he, along with Angel, were the two people to defend like a dog while Uruguay were going all-out attack. Made clearances and blocks. However, once the opponents scored, it felt like the player lost his morale and his performance deteriorated.

Maguel Navarro - 5.5/10

The player was clearly focused on the defence and did not move forward to the attack. However, the player was still unsuccessful in properly defending and stopping the winger's attacking from the flanks.

Jon Aramburu - 5.5/10

He was average in the match as he was unable to properly shadow Maximillian and prevent him from contributing to the attack. Had just a satisfactory performance in every aspect.

Midfielders

Yangel Herrera - 4.5/10

Made a nasty foul in a dangerous location within a quarter of an hour, which earned him under the referee. This resisted his play to a very large extent and it was evident as the player was unable to create a large impact in the game. Made a big error in the second half, which was capitalised and scored by the opponents.

Cristian Casseres Jr. - 6/10

Once the Uruguayan Football team aggressively attacked, the player helped the defence avoid further damage. Won a good proportion of duels, made some interceptions and had a relatively better performance in par with his teammates.

Jose Martinez - 6/10

Had his share of contribution in the defence from the first whistle. He was seen everywhere in the defensive half, trying to win back the ball from the opponents. Made some tackles, had some clearances and was decent.

Forwards

Yeferson Soteldo - 6/10

Won some duels he was involved in. But while coming to the attacking position where he was deployed, his presence did not create any significant value addition. Had just an average night at the office.

Salomon Rondon - 6/10

The centre forward ironically made a few cameo roles in the attacking third. Was very little talk about it in the match. Rather than pressing hard and trying to score, the player was comfortable on the wings and passing the ball around.

David Martinez Morales - 5.5/10

Had almost zero contributions in the vast majority of the first half. He was struggling to win duels and keep possession. Whenever the player had the ball, the opponents easily. Was subbed off in the second half.

Substitutes

Eduard Bello - 6/10

Jhonder Cadiz - 6/10

Jefferson Savarino - 6/10

Telasco Segovia - 6/10

Alexander Gonzales - NA

Manager

Fernando Batista - 5/10

Had a terrible day as his team was unable to do anything in the match. Has to keep his head high and focus on the upcoming matches to somehow qualify for the big stage.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Giorgian De Arrascaeta.