2022 World Cup: It’s an even group, all teams have potentials – Uruguay coach reacts to draw

Uruguayan coach Diego Alonso is defiant about his side chances in the 2022 World Cup despite being drawn in a balanced group.

The South American side have been paired alongside Portugal, Ghana and South Korea in Group H of the 2022 World Cup.

Uruguay will open their campaign against Korea Republic and according to the coach, his side has been pitted in a balanced group where all teams have the potentials.

“It’s an even group in which I think all four teams have chances and are strong. We’re very excited about what might happen. We’ll be aiming to win all of our matches but it’s difficult to anticipate what might happen,” Alonso told Uruguayan journalists.

“We’ve been drawn alongside South Korea, Portugal and Ghana. We’ll go into those games with an optimistic mindset and with great respect for our opponents, while also trusting what we have.”

“I never looked at [the Uruguay managerial post] as taking a hot potato. I always saw it as a great opportunity. I’m an optimist by nature, everything I’d hoped for is what eventuated.”

“The group has received [me] in the best way possible and that is because the Uruguayan players have a great identification with the national team and there is nothing more important than that, the Celeste is a priority and they make you feel it at all times. That makes everything easier.”

“I feel that this is going to be an atypical World Cup. The players will be less tired but also in good condition because of matches under their belts with their teams.” He added.

Uruguay facing Ghana will be a repeat of the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals in South Africa.

The Black Stars exited the competition after losing to The Sky Blue through the penalty shootout.

Ghana were just a step closer to making history until that decisive penalty kick was missed by Asamoah Gyan at the Soccer City stadium.