Uruguayans up for the cup!

And that is why I am backing Uruguay to win the World Cup this year.

The heavyweights of Brazil, Spain, Germany and Argentina are all through to the latter stages, but who is to say they won't stumble.

Already we have seen the 'big guns' of France, Italy and England bow out prematurely - all failing to show up and with just nine days of competition left Uruguay are my somewhat optimistic tip.

I know they could come up against Brazil in the semi-finals and any of the above in the final, but a victory for Uruguay would be a victory for football the world over.

The South Americans impressed in qualifying and stormed to the top of group A with wins over South Africa and Mexico and a draw against France.

The strike force of Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez has given them plenty going forward while defenders Godin and Lugano have pretty much held firm in defence.

They are the only side I have seen in South Africa who have gone all out for the win in every game.

Yes, the Brazilians have been on fire with goals and Argentina and Holland have won every game but Uruguay are playing the sort of football we waited two weeks to see from other sides south of the equator.

Ghana may pose a threat to the Uruguay dream in Stephen Appiah and Gyan but the double World Cup winners should have plenty in the tank to get past them.

And so Brazil or Holland stand between them and a final. Well we all know the Dutch are good, but come the business end they seem to struggle - so even if they pass Brazil, the Uruguayans could give them the once over.

And a cup final is as pot luck as a lucky dip on a Saturday evening - anything can happen.

My head tells me Brazil will put them out in the semi-finals but my heart tells me they will know all too well how to battle against the Brazilians having played them twice in the South American qualification process.

So big it up for Uruguay and cheer them to the cup!