Uruguay coach Tabarez springs team surprise

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has named his team for the World Cup Group A clash against France on Friday with defender Mauricio Victorino and midfielder Egidio Arevalo Rios surprise choices.

They are the only two changes to the side which defeated Israel 4-1 in the team’s only warm-up match on May 26.

Victorino, who plays in Chile with Universidad de Chile, replaces Andres Scotti of Colo Colo, also in the Chilean top flight.

Arevalo Rios, who plays for top Uruguayan side Penarol, takes over from Napoli’s Walter Gargano in a 3-4-1-2 formation.

“The system we have chosen can adapt to the different things we could face against France,” said Tabarez, who is nicknamed ‘El Maestro’.

Up front, star striker Diego Forlan will be partnered by Luis Suarez, who scored 35 goals for Ajax in the Dutch championship last season.