Nigeria v Uruguay Prediction 20th June 2013 – Confederations Cup

Nigeria v Uruguay Betting Preview
Things are far from being settled in what should be the race for second place behind Spain in Group B of the 2013 Confederations Cup. Uruguay suffered an opening defeat at the hands of the Spaniards while Nigeria had a comfortable opening against the amateurs of Tahiti. Both still need to produce a win in order to keep themselves in the hunt for a place in the semi finals. Will it be the experience of Uruguay or the youth of Nigeria who wins out?

Nigeria v Uruguay Betting Odds at online bookmaker Bet Victor
Uruguay 8/11, Draw 13/5, Nigeria 18/5

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Nigeria v Uruguay Recommended Bet:
Even though they went out and scored a half dozen goals, it is hard to really put a definitive note on Nigeria’s chances here. They have only sent out what is nothing more really than a youth side to the tournament, and while that was enough to earn them a 6-1 win over Tahiti, it wasn’t a test for their chances against better opposition. Truthfully they could have scored a lot more goals against Tahiti if they had been sharper, and naturally the level of opposition gets a lot harder from here on out. After they square up against Uruguay, they then have to face one of the tournament favourites Spain. So this really could be the crucial match for them. If they beat Uruguay, then they will propel themselves forward to the semi final. A loss and they could be staring at an exit. Again, nothing to gauge them on at all from their opening match.

So while they racked up a confident start, the young Nigerian side will really be tested here. This is the first we will really see of their level. Uruguay are still being fancied by many to be the dark horse of the tournament. They are a vastly experienced side and know what tournament football is all about. They won’t be hitting the panic button yet, knowing that a win here will keep them in the hunt for qualification, with only Tahiti to follow. But the form of the South Americans have not been brilliant and they are struggling just to nail down their identity at the moment. They are more adventurous than they were in winning the Copa America back in 2011, but not anywhere near as consistent or cohesive. There has been a lot of tinkering with tactics to try and get the best out of their current squad, but it isn’t quite there at the moment.

The Uruguay side haven’t been helped by their youth not stepping up and performing, so the mantle of the experience in the side isn’t being passed on well. Still, they have immense firepower in Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani to call upon. Liverpool striker Suarez scored a beautiful free kick against Spain, it being nothing more than a consolation goal in the 88th minute in a 2-1 defeat. The scoreline didn’t reflect the big gap in quality between the two sides, Uruguay struggling to get the ball off Spain all match. La Celeste still have potential, and they should have more than enough to gun down the inexperienced Super Eagles. If Uruguay click at some point tactically, they may yet prove to be the dangerous dark horses.

It looks as if it should be a win for the South Americans and will be worth going for either Luis Suarez or Edinson Cavani as First Goalscorer for around the 4/1 mark with online betting site Bet Victor.

This will be the first ever meeting between the two nations.

Form
Nigeria WDDWDW, Uruguay LDLWWL