ROSTOV: Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has insisted his side will not get complacent today when they face a Saudi Arabia team that he expects will do everything they possibly can to turn their failing World Cup campaign around. 
Tabarez, 71, knows that while his South American side may have labored to a 1-0 win over Egypt in their first game, they can secure safe passage through Group A with a victory against Juan Antonio Pizzi’s Green Falcons at the Rostov Arena this afternoon. Their opponents, humiliated 5-0 by hosts Russia on the opening night, will be determined however to avoid another embarrassing afternoon under the spotlight.
“We are not here to play games like they are friendlies,” said Tabarez, who has been in charge of Uruguay for 12 years and led them to the World Cup semi-finals in 2010. 
“We prepare for every match thoroughly regardless of the opponent. When you lose by such a large goal margin you feel hurt and angry, but all you can do is try to change it into a positive. Often you learn more from a defeat than you do from a win. I think Saudi Arabia will be determined to turn their World Cup campaign around and we must be ready for that.”
It will be the first time the two sides have met at a World Cup, but the Uruguay technical staff have done their homework, with Tabarez highlighting the Gulf side’s pace in attack and ability to dominate possession. Saudi Arabia enjoyed 63 percent of the ball against Russia, but failed to manage a single shot on target. 
“They almost drew against Germany and have very fast and skilful players,” Tabarez added. “They have strengths and they have weaknesses, same as any other side. We expect a tough match, much like the other games we have seen so far at this World Cup. The result though will depend on us and how we can curb their strengths. We must be prepared for anything because you never know what might happen. Every team here has something to prove.”
With Edinson Cavani and Luis 
Suarez expected to lead the line against a Saudi Arabia defence that looked dangerously indecisive against Russia, some pundits are suggesting the Green Falcons are at risk of suffering a defeat larger than the 8-0 drubbing dealt to them by Germany at the 2002 World Cup. Goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, however, insists he and his teammates must not be complacent.
“A lot has been said by the press and reporters who do not know what it is like to be immersed in football,” he said. “Saudi Arabia will want to play well, work hard and will give everything they have. They are a great team. When you look at the first match statistics, they appear better (than the result suggests). They will come at us, but we know we need to win because it means we qualify for the next round.”
Suarez had been tipped to challenge for the Golden Boot this summer, but endured a difficult opening game against Egypt that prompted his coach to defend the 31-year-old’s performance post-match. Today will mark the forward’s 100th appearance for his country.
“Time flies,” said Tabarez, who handed Suarez his debut in 2007. “He has played a pivotal role. He perhaps did not have the best performance against Egypt, but the player is the first person to be unhappy. We advise him only to be serene, cool and calm.”