Amongst the most spectacular World Cup goals of all time was the stunning volley by Uruguay’s Dario Rodriguez against Denmark in 2002. “Unfortunately that game didn’t turn out how we wanted,” Rodriguez told CGTN recently. Uruguay lost that match 2-1, “but that goal is still talked about and has even won prizes,” Rodriguez said. 

Uruguay did not pass the group stage in 2002 and failed to even qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

But then Uruguay’s Football Association turned to Oscar Tabarez. Better known as El Maestro for his past as a school teacher, Tabarez transformed the national team. He placed a sharp focus on instilling pride in players from the country’s rich football heritage, as well as working with professionalism and bringing through young players to the full national team. The results came immediately and in 2010, Uruguay ended the World Cup in fourth place. 

Ahead of Russia 2018, former international Dario Rodriguez and Uruguayans hope for a strong performance.

“I think we have an interesting mix of players,” said Rodriguez. “There are experienced players who have been at world class level for many years, like Luis Suarez, Edison Cavani and Diego Godin. But there are also now young players who are part of the team.”

But Uruguay is also looking ahead to the 2030 tournament.

Along with neighbors Argentina and Paraguay, Uruguay is planning to bid to host the 2030 World Cup and hold the 100th anniversary where the World Cup started.

Uruguay hosted, and won, the 1930 competition. The Estadio Centenario stadium was built for that tournament and was named after the 100th anniversary of the Uruguayan Constitution. To this day it remains much the same as when it was first built.

Journalist Juan Carlos Scelza has covered every World Cup since 1990. He said that hosting a World Cup in Uruguay, even with Argentina and Paraguay, is a “utopian” idea. He said these countries do not have the stadiums or the infrastructure to host a FIFA World Cup.

The bid to host the 2030 World Cup is still far off, but there is already a debate. Many supporters are against making any changes to the famous and historic Centenario.

But former international Dario Rodriguez is in favor of remodeling the Centenario. “Sometimes we Uruguayans don't like change. But football evolves, just like life changes. It would be good if the stadium is modernized and they make the changes necessary so it is a FIFA stadium where the World Cup could be played.”

While Uruguay ponders the future of the Centenario stadium, the debate will be left to one side for the coming weeks as Luis Suarez and company aim to guide Uruguay to making history – once again.