"(They are) good physically, very strong and have several attacking moves which is very definite," Oscar Tabarez was quoted as telling reporters in Kimberley in central South Africa Wednesday, where his team's base camp is located.
Coach Tabarez also credited the South Koreans for being well informed in football, saying, "South Korea has a very organized team."
The South American team, two time World Cup champions, finished first in Group A and is set to face off with South Korea, which finished second in Group B, on June 26 in Port Elizabeth to vie for a top-eight spot.
However, the Uruguayan coach, nicknamed "El Maestro," observed that South Korea has had "defensive problems." Still, he did not rule out South Korea as a contender for the next round.
When asked whether the Uruguayan team was keeping tabs on particular South Korean players, the coach declined to name any, saying he didn't want to reveal information that the South Koreans could exploit.
"We obviously take into account the most important men of the rival," Tabarez said while sidestepping the question.
The South American team, 16th in world football rankings, holds a 4-0 edge overall against South Korea, including a 1-0 win in the 1990 World Cup first round.
"Tranquility that showed from the team gives me hope that we are moving. We are awaiting the Koreans and think we can win," Tabarez said.
우루과이 감독, 한국팀 "수비에 문제"
토요일 16강전에서 한국과 일전을 벌이게 되는 우르과이 팀의오스카 타바라스 감독은 우리나라 선수들의 주목할 만한 장점을 칭찬하면서 수비에 부족한 면이 있다고 지적했다.
수요일 남이공의 도시 킴벌리에서 타바라스 감독은 "[한국 팀은] 체력이 강하고 확실한 공격력을 가지고 있다"고 기자회견에서 말했다.
또한 타바라스 감독은 선수들이 축구경기에 대해 잘 알고 있다며 한국이 "체계적인 팀"이라고 말했다.
그러나 타바라스 감독은 한국팀에 "수비 문제"가 있다면서 그럼에도 불구하고 한국이 8강에 진출할 강력한 후보임을 배제하지는 않았다.
두 차례 월드컵 챔피언인 우르과이팀은 그룹 A의 경기를 1위로 마치고 그룹 B의 2위 한국과 포트엘리자베스시의 경기장에서 토요일 오후 11시(한국 시각) 8강 진출을 두고 맞서게 된다.
![[INTERVIEW] Ecolab helps Korean partners profit from ESG management](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/7a924189dbb7426ab12275ba98702309.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
![[ANALYSIS] Has N. Korean leader's daughter been confirmed as heir apparent?](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/e65868a1b5834cc3aef853378637d1fd.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
![[INTERVIEW] 'Lifeline for migrant workers in Korea' - Rev. Kim fights for foreign employees' rights](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/8fb4b5d381da49df90276394550f2889.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
![[INTERVIEW] Korea to work with US, Japan to fight climate change](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/800d9054a14b4a0f9cc576366cc1b914.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
![[INTERVIEW] Hip-hop group Uptown returns after 13 years with new lineup](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/0eae35da5e9c40c38cf439e550a2eb3e.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
