Historical clash in Montevideo
This Sunday will see Atleti end their Euro-American Cup in Montevideo. The opponent will be National after their youth team beat Peñarol in a game that decided which Uruguayan team would represent their country in this tournament.
National Football Club
Established: 1899
STADIUM: Gran Parque Central / Centenario
PRESIDENT: Eduardo Ache
COACH: Rodolfo Arruabarrena
ACHIEVEMENTS: 44 leagues Uruguayan, 3 Copa Libertadores, 3 Intercontinental Cups, 2-American Cups, 1 Recopa Sudamericana.
On May 14, 1899, in the home of Dr. Ernesto Caprario, Nacional of Uruguay were born after the merger of Athletic Club and the Montevideo Football Club. Their name and colors (red, white and blue) showed the great relationship between the institution and the history of Uruguay. Thus originated the nickname 'Tricolor'.
During the early years of the twentieth century, National enjoyed a prestigious tour of Europe and America, winning most of their games, despite being still being amateur. Their excellent work led to the Uruguayan national team to pick most of their players from the club in a few glorious years in which Uruguay won the Olympics and the first World Cup.
However, the best stage for Nacional arrived in the decades of the 70s and 80s, when they won the Copa Libertadores three times and three Intercontinental Cups. Throughout thier history, they have won the National Championships 44 times, the above three Copa Libertadores (1971, 1980 and 1988) and Intercontinental Cups (1971, 1980 and 1988) and two Inter-American Cups ( 1972 and 1989) and the Recopa Sudamericana (1989).
In the last season, the Uruguayan side, coached by former Villarreal player Rodolfo Arruabarrena, came third in the Apertura after Penarol and Defensor, while they were eliminated in the second round of the Copa Libertadores by Royal Peruvian Garcilaso in a tie that was decided on penalties.
The Uruguayan coach named the squad for the match against Atletico: Pablo Alvarez, Diego Arismendi, Jorge Bava, Leonardo Burián, Maximiliano Calzada, Lucas Cavallini, Guillermo De los Santos, Carlos De Pena, Juan Manuel Diaz, Hugo Dorrego, Alvaro Fernandez, Caué Fernandes, Santiago Garcia, Gaston Pereiro, Richard Porta, Nicolas Prieto, Alvaro Recoba and Andres Scotti.
Meanwhile, Simeone has available to him Cristian Rodriguez and Diego Godin, who traveled from Madrid to play in this final game of the Euro-American Cup. The two Uruguayan internationals joined the expedition of 23 men.
It will be a beautiful historic clash between two of world footballs historical team and you can follow on twitter using the hashtag #CopaEuroAmericana.
Montevideo - monumental setting
Montevideo, as well as the capital of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, is the birthplace of Diego Forlan. It is the most populous city in the South American country and it is home to more than 1 million people in a nation with a population of just over three million.
Twinned with Madrid since 1982, the Uruguayan capital is the hub of the country's activities thanks to its ideal geographic location. Regarded as one of the cradles of tango, this Uruguayan city has enormous cultural heritage highlighted by the Fortaleza Metropolitan Cathedral of Montevideo and its great sporting history.
Here lies one of the most historic stadiums in the international football. The Centenario stadium has witnessed great duels and tournaments that will remain forever in the history of the sport. A World Cup, Copa America and three South American Championships (all won by Uruguay) are just some of the sporting events that have been held here.
Designed by architect John Scasso, the stadium currently has capacity for more than 65,000 spectators, who are sure to see a great game between Atletico and Nacional on Sunday from 20.00 (CET Spanish). On DIRECTV and Canal + Liga.
