When Cristhian Stuani hit a double to give the Uruguay national football team a 3–0 win over the Uzbekistan national football team in the China Cup 2019 semi‑final, the shockwaves were felt from Nanning to Montevideo. The match unfolded on 22 March 2019 at the Guangxi Sports Center, under the watchful eye of Serbian referee Milorad Mažić. Uruguay’s coach Óscar Tabárez praised his side’s composure, while Uzbekistan’s boss Héctor Cúper lamented missed chances. The three‑goal margin not only booked Uruguay a place in the final but also set the stage for a dramatic third‑place showdown.
Background: The China Cup’s Growing Prestige
First launched in 2017, the China Cup 2019Guangxi Sports Center was designed as a friendly‑match showcase during the FIFA international window. By its third edition, the tournament had attracted a mix of emerging Asian sides and established South American powers, offering a rare test for teams gearing up for continental championships. Uruguay arrived as defending champions, having lifted the trophy in 2018, while Uzbekistan saw the event as a chance to gauge themselves against top‑ranked opposition ahead of the Asian Cup qualifiers.
Semi‑Final Showdown: Uruguay vs Uzbekistan
The semi‑final was billed as a clash of styles – Uruguay’s gritty, forward‑pressing game versus Uzbekistan’s disciplined, counter‑attacking approach. Early on, both sides tussled for possession; Uruguay held a modest 54 % share, but Uzbekistan’s compact shape kept the Uruguayans honest. The dead‑lock finally broke in the 27th minute when Matías Vecino fed Stuadi on the edge of the box, and the striker curled a first‑time shot into the top corner.
Just eight minutes later, Uruguay doubled the lead. A swift transition saw Gaston Pereiro slip past the Uzbek backline, delivering a perfect low cross that Stuadi met with a clinical finish. The third goal arrived in the 68th minute when a set‑piece flicked in off Federico Valverde and the ball ricocheted to Luis Suárez, whose tap‑in sealed the match.
Statistically, Uruguay out‑shot Uzbekistan 10‑5, with four on target compared to Uzbekistan’s lone attempt. The Uzbek goalkeeper made four solid saves, but the defensive lapses proved costly. The disciplinary record was relatively clean – three yellows for Uzbekistan, one for Uruguay – underscoring the tactical rather than physical nature of the contest.
Key Performances and Tactical Takeaways
Stuadi’s brace crowned him as the tournament’s joint top scorer, his positioning and finishing reminding fans why he’s a mainstay in Uruguay’s attack. Meanwhile, Eldar Šomurodov was Uzbekistan’s bright spot, forcing a handful of half‑chances and keeping his side within touching distance.
Coach Tabárez stuck to his trusted 4‑4‑2, encouraging width through wing‑backs and swift vertical passes. The strategy paid dividends, especially in the second half when Uruguay shifted to a high press, forcing errors that led to the decisive third goal. Cúper, on the other hand, opted for a disciplined 4‑5‑1, hoping to absorb pressure and hit on the break – a plan that worked in phases but ultimately fell short against Uruguay’s superior depth.
Reactions: Coaches, Players, and Fans
After the final whistle, Tabárez praised his squad’s “clinical edge” and highlighted the importance of the tournament as a rehearsal for the upcoming Copa América. He also noted the need to tighten defensive transitions, something the coaching staff will address in the next training camp.
Cúper, speaking to local media, admitted disappointment but stressed the value of facing a world‑class opponent. “We learned a lot about where we need to improve,” he said, adding that the team’s morale remained high after securing third place later in the week.
Fans in Nanning, who turned out in numbers approaching 19 000, showed a mix of enthusiasm for the high‑octane football and curiosity about the South American flair. Social media bursts featured clips of Stuadi’s goals, with hashtags like #StuadiShow and #ChinaCup2019 trending across Chinese platforms.
Impact on Both Nations
For Uruguay, the triumph reinforced their status as a friendly‑match powerhouse and provided a confidence boost ahead of the Copa América, where they are expected to be serious contenders. The win also helped cement Tabárez’s tactical philosophy, emphasizing pressing intensity and swift ball circulation.
Uzbekistan’s journey, although ending in a semi‑final loss, ended positively with a 1‑0 victory over China in the third‑place playoff – a result secured by a solitary strike from Šomurodov. The podium finish marks the nation’s best performance in the China Cup’s brief history and signals progress as they aim for a deeper run in the Asian Cup.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
Uruguay will regroup in Montevideo, where a friendly against Chile is slated for early April, giving Tabárez a chance to test emerging talent alongside the veterans. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan returns to Tashkent to prepare for their next World Cup qualifying window, with Cúper likely to fine‑tune the defensive shape that cost them in the semi‑final.
Both teams will carry the lessons from Nanning into their respective continental campaigns, making the China Cup 2019 a pivotal stop in the 2019 international calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Uruguay’s victory affect their Copa América preparations?
The win gave Uruguay a morale boost and a chance to test Tabárez’s high‑press system against a disciplined opponent, helping the squad fine‑tune tactics before the Copa América in June.
What did Uzbekistan learn from playing Uruguay?
Uzbekistan’s coaching staff highlighted the need for quicker transitions and sharper defensive organization when facing teams that press aggressively, insights they will apply in upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers.
Who were the standout players of the semi‑final?
Cristhian Stuadi’s two goals made him the clear star, while Matías Vecino’s midfield control and Gastón Pereiro’s assist were also pivotal for Uruguay. For Uzbekistan, Eldar Šomurodov’s work rate stood out despite the loss.
Why is the China Cup considered an important tournament?
Since its inception in 2017, the China Cup offers national teams competitive minutes during the FIFA window, allowing them to test tactics and integrate new players against varied international styles.
When and where will the next matches for Uruguay and Uzbekistan be held?
Uruguay faces Chile in a friendly in Montevideo on 5 April 2019, while Uzbekistan returns to Tashkent for a World Cup qualifier against Jordan on 8 June 2019.
Another routine win, nothing groundbreaking.