Ugarte Faces Unprecedented Challenge with Uruguay Against Bolivia
Manuel Ugarte is preparing for a unique challenge with Uruguay as they gear up to face Bolivia in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Manchester United midfielder will represent his country at Estadio Municipal de El Alto, perched an extraordinary 4,100 meters above sea level.
El Alto, aptly named “The Heights” in Spanish, holds the title of the world’s highest major city and ranks as the second-largest in Bolivia, following the administrative capital, La Paz.
Competing at such an altitude is notoriously difficult, promising to be a rigorous test for Marcelo Bielsa’s squad, who have dropped to fourth place in the South American table. Meanwhile, Bolivia sits in seventh position, and another significant match is brewing between Argentina and Brazil in Buenos Aires.
Ugarte, fresh off a 3-0 victory against Leicester City after a brief recovery, is eager to tackle the challenges of playing in such an unforgiving environment.
“I’ve never played there before, so I don’t really know what to expect,” he admitted during a press conference. “It’s said to be very complex and distinctly different from a regular game.
“Defensive solidity will be key when we don’t have possession, and when we do, conserving our energy will be vital. We’ll see how well we manage it.”
Having missed the recent 1-0 defeat to Argentina due to suspension, the 23-year-old is likely to feature in Tuesday night’s crucial match.
Reflecting on the loss to the reigning world champions, he said, “We could have performed much better and been more creative with our chances. But that’s in the past.
“Our focus now is on clinching the three points against Bolivia.
“After overcoming a hamstring injury last month, I feel in top form as we approach the year’s final stages.”
As the international duties wind down, anticipation builds for the return of players to Carrington ahead of next week’s Premier League game at Nottingham Forest.
Manuel Ugarte remains an essential fixture in Uruguay’s line-up.