GOLNOIR



	URUGUAY A proud footballing nation that is trying to resurrect its traditions as an early world power, Uruguay holds the distinction of being one of the first nations to feature Blacks on its National Team. Uruguay was introduced to the game by British sailors and the sport immediately took off. Uruguay was the dominant soccer power in the world before World War 2 and laid its claim as such by hosting and capturing the first World Cup in 1930 through players like Hector Scarone. Uruguay pulled a huge upset by winning the 1950 WC over host Brazil behind the play of players like Juan Schiaffino to solidify their standing as a top soccer power. The glory days have since eluded Uruguay as their Rio Plate cousins from Argentina become a dominant force on the world scene and despite the efforts of the great Enzo Franescoli, had a 12 year hiatus from the World Cup until their qualification for the 2002 tournament. Led by the likes of Sebatien Abreu and Diego Forlan, Uruguay is on the way back and hopes recapture the form that has seen them win a record 9 Copa Americas. "The Prince", Enzo Francescoli won title after title with Argentine side River Plate and willed Uruguay to the 1995 Copa America Title (www.cologio.com.uy, fifaworldcup.com) Alvaro Recova packs mad power in his left foot and almost sparked Uruguay into the 2nd round at the 2002 World Cup (fifaworldcup.com) BLACKS IN URUGUAYAN FOOTBALL Blacks have long played a role in Uruguayan soccer, even in one of S. America's whitest countries. According to Encarta Africana "When Uruguay beat Chile in the first South American championship in 1916 with a team that included two black players, Isabelino Gradín and Juan Delgado, Chile asked that the game be annulled, claiming its opponent had used "two Africans." Both men were, of course, Uruguayan, great-grandchildren of slaves." Obdulio Varela was the captain and heart and soul of the 1950 "miracle" side that beat Brazil and won numerous league titles with club side Peñarol. Dario Silva was an effective forward for Uruguay and Richard Morales & Marcelo Zalayeta also carried on the tradition of Black Uruguayan footballers. "El Negro Jefe" (The Black chief) Obdulio Varela is a legend in Uruguay for his exploits at the 1950 World Cup. (worldcuparchive.com) MArcelo Zalayeta of Uruguay (AP) Bottom line: Uruguay is putting the pieces in place to recapture the glory of its past. URUGUAY FACTS: Association: Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol Founded: 1900 Soccer Confederation: CONMEBOL Colors: Sky Blue and White National Stadium: Estadio Centenario Location: Montevideo Coach: Oscar Washington World Cup appearances: 1930, 1950, 1954, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1986, 1990, 2002 HONORS: 1930 World Cup 1950 World Cup 1916 Copa America 1917 Copa America 1923 Copa America 1924 Copa America 1926 Copa America 1935 Copa America 1942 Copa America 1956 Copa America 1959 Copa America 1967 Copa America 1987 Copa America 1995 Copa America Uruguayan National Team News and Scores Uruguayan First Division News and Scores Back to Preceeding Page










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