Brazil beware Uruguayan firepower as final looms

Brazil may have waltzed through their group to reach the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup but they are only too aware of the party pooping abilities of tomorrow's rivals' Uruguay.
It was the Uruguayans who delivered Brazilian football its arguably greatest ever blow in winning the 1950 final in Rio's famed Maracana stadium, the revamped version of which will host Sunday's final where either world champions Spain or Italy await.
That 'Maracanazo' loss sent shockwaves around Brazil and they only made up for the reverse eight years later when, with a teenaged Pele in the team, they finally lifted the trophy for the first time in Sweden.

More recently, Uruguay have also shown they can mix it with their more powerful neighbours, the nation of barely 3.5 million lifting the 2011 Copa America in Argentina, where Brazil lost in the quarter-finals to Paraguay.
Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar yesterday warned the host nation they must beware if they are not to suffer an ambush in Belo Horizonte, a venue which earned its own place in World Cup folklore in the 1950 event by hosting a United States win over England.
Uruguay have shown some mediocre recent form in World Cup qualifying but the 2011 South American champions have found som form with wins in Brazil over Nigeria and thrashing minnows Tahiti.

Moreover, Julio Cesar points out that in Edinson Cavani, Diego Forlan - match winner against Nigeria with a record 34th goal for the Celeste - and Luis Suarez the Uruguayans have no shortage of firepower.

"They are very strong in attack and can decide a game on their own," the shot-stopper said.
The trio are set to return after being rested for the 8-0 whipping of Tahiti.
"I know them all well and we shall have to beware. The tiniest thing can decide a match," added Cesar, who faces the prospect of playing second tier English football next season after being relegated with Queens Park Rangers.