Uruguay need some Gaston magic (From Daily Echo)

Uruguay need some Gaston magic

8:23am Friday 22nd March 2013 in Sport

Saints playmaker Gastón Ramírez will tonight be hoping to help Uruguay reverse a concerning run of form that has significantly dented their World Cup hopes.

La Celeste have earned just a point from their last four qualifiers, which have featured three heavy defeats, and face an important tie at home to Paraguay this evening (10pm kick-off UK time).

That dismal run has seen Uruguay drop to fifth in the South American group, with the top four advancing to Brazil 2014 and the fifth-placed side going forward to an intercontinental play-off.

After playing against Luis Suarez when Saints beat Liverpool at St Mary’s last weekend, Ramirez now hopes to be in the same side as the in-form striker tonight.

Ramírez, Suarez and Co have the perfect opportunity to improve their chances tonight when they host bottom-placed nation Paraguay, a side they drew 1-1 with when they met earlier in the qualifying campaign.

Uruguay will be desperate for a victory in Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario, especially as on Tuesday they face a trip to Chile, who are sixth in the standings and currently level on points with them.

Uruguay beat Chile 4-0 at home in November 2011 with Suarez scoring all four of the goals.

It will be one of their own looking to dent their hopes tonight, though, with Paraguay being coached by Uruguayan boss Gerardo Pelusso.

“It’ll be a very tough game for both teams,” said Pelusso.

“The Centenario is a tricky place to visit, but historically speaking Paraguay have never made it easy for Uruguay.

“We really need the three points.”

Ramirez missed his country’s last World Cup qualifier in Argenina last November through injury.

Lionel Messi scored twice and Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero once in a 3-0 victory for Argentina, who currently top the South American qualifying table.