Playing for the Uruguayan Nationanl Team for 15 years, Loco Abreu believes in winning Copa America

Botafogo idol of the fans and Uruguayan striker, Loco Abreu approaches of his third Copa America. After playing in the 1997 and 2007 editions, the center forward is one of the trusted men of coach Oscar Tabarez to compete in the South American tournament, which will be held in Argentina. In an exclusive interview, Loco Abreu spoke about the Uruguayan squad, Copa America, the struggle for a place in the great Uruguayan attack and about the controversial “Panenka” penalty take.

1-You have been constantly called up by the coach Oscar Tabarez. Do you believe you have already guaranteed a place in the Copa America, which will be played in Argentina?

Actually, I’ve been in the national team for 15 years. So when you are for so long in the team, we generally believe we have the possibility of being chosen. Besides you already be fixed within a methodology, the group basis, which began in 2006 with Oscar Tabarez. Today it continues and, God willing, nothing will happen wrong and we can enjoy another Copa America.

2-Uruguay is well served by strikers. You, Forlan, Suárez and Cavani. Can you fight for being in the starting XI?

No. We already know the function we occupy within the group and the squad. We already know just exactly who are the starting players, Cavani, Suárez and Forlan. And then we have the reserve players, of high-level, so when the coach needs we are able to render at high level. But in my case, I know my position, the place I occupy in the group. Regardless of who plays, or does not play, the group mentality has to be the same.

3-Uruguay has not won Copa America one since 1995. Do you think you can get the title this year in Argentina?

We can be the protagonists. We will continue with humility, just like in the last World Cup, respecting its rivals, but we believe that we have the characteristics to be a protagonist. As protagonist, we will obviously have opportunities to fight. So this is our chance. Sure, we dream about being champions, overcoming the titles in Argentina (Uruguay and Argentina have 14 titles each) and being the only country with 15 titles. But for that to happen, we must go step by step, match by match.

4- The last Uruguayan top scorer in Copa America was Carlos Aguilera in 1983 with three goals. Can you be the top scorer this year?

Actually, we do not worry about individual brands. Our concern is around the group and get the glory for Uruguay. Whether it should be pretty good to be a top scorer on Copa America, I think is really cool and important to achieve the objective with the group.

5-Do you think that Uruguay gets stronger against than in other Copa Americas, with the 4th place in the World Cup?

I do not know if stronger, but I feel Uruguay reaches mentally better. Because we had a good experience in the World Cup and we are in a process, which comes in long term, and has worked. Our youth teams, U-17 and U-20, made us qualify directly to the World Cup, including the Olympics. The process is very strong and it is important to follow up with the staff. So it brings an advantage for us. Obviously what happened from 2006 until today, was instrumental in reaching the Copa America confident in the work being done.

6-Uruguay will seek a rematch against Brazil Since it was eliminated in the semifinals of 2004 and 2007?

The important thing is not to take a team and just want to win this one. Here, the important thing is to fight, play a competitive football. And if we play well at this level, surely we fight for top positions. Then, if we face Brazil or Argentina, which often happens, we will prepare for these teams we play against high level team. But we don’t have to choose an opponent. Any team that we face, we respect and seek the victory.

7-In your opinion, Argentina can be considered a favorite?

Argentina is the number one candidate. They have the best player in the world (Messi) and will play at home. The second leading candidate is Brazil, because it is the last champion and a team that will have great players. I believe that the possible aspirants to the title are the two teams.

8- During the Copa America, will you take a Panenka penalty kick?

Oh, that depends. It's a game situation. We have to wait, I took 70 and only 23 penalties have been as Panenka. So that means that is not my only way to take a penalty. I believe the Panenka’s one more resource we have.

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