Forlan confident of strong Uruguay showing

Diego Forlan is confident Uruguay will perform well at the FIFA World Cup and has tipped team-mate Luis Suarez to win the 2014 Ballon d’Or.

The 34-year-old striker, who recently joined Japanese outfit Cerezo Osaka, is in line to feature in his third World Cup later this year, with Oscar Tabarez’s side hoping to improve on their run to the semi-finals at the 2010 tournament.

Uruguay face a stiff challenge in order to progress to the knockout rounds again after being grouped with England, Italy and Costa Rica in Group D.

However, former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid forward Forlan, who is likely to play second fiddle to Suarez and Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani in attack, believes Uruguay have the ability to progress.

“No doubt it’s a very good attack (that Uruguay possess), but there are others,” he told Perform. “Also, the other players are good players and we have to keep it like that even though we will have to play against very good defences, and also other teams’ strike forces will be of a high level.”

“We have a good base after years playing together. Now we have more experience after a good World Cup in South Africa plus a trophy won at the Copa America (in 2011).

“We have good players and hopefully we will perform well even though our group is not easy.”

“Yes, it’s (a) difficult (group), but I think that we are on a par with each other: Costa Rica, England, Italy and Uruguay. All of us look sideways.”

Suarez is enjoying a magnificent season for club side Liverpool, having found the net 23 times in 19 Premier League appearances.

Forlan feels the 27-year-old could be among the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or if he maintains his current level.

“His chances of winning are high if he keeps performing as he is now,” added Forlan.