One of Uruguay’s nicknames is La Garra Charrúa. Garra meaning claw in Spanish, the nickname signals Uruguayans' relentless disposition; the fact they are willing to use nails, teeth and claws to get what they want.
Former Uruguay player and international star Diego Forlán once told the following anecdote referring to Uruguay’s traditional tough play.
Manager Óscar Washington Tavárez would sometimes tell his players “let’s end this match playing with 11 men,” in an effort to prevent them from playing too harshly and getting a red card.
Every time the boss would say that, Forlán recalls, someone in the team would end up being sent off.
During a dinner, Forlán respectfully approached Tavárez and told him: “Respectfully, sir, please don’t ever say that again.” And he didn’t.
Today, Boca Juniors midfielder Nahitán Nández gave us all a taste of what La Garra stands for.
Disputing the ball with a Russian player, Nández was seen on the floor, battling to gain possession.
The unusual part of it all was that Nández, like a lion on its back, was using anything he could to prevent his opponent from running away with the ball.
In an unbelievable effort, the Uruguayan pushed the ball around with his head while revolving on the floor, one, two times and finally tackling his Russian rival with his head (!).
Nahitan Nández trabando con la cabeza, vamoarriba la Celeste, qué no ni no pic.twitter.com/yp6rdwLbsH
— Angela Lerena (@Angelalerena) June 26, 2018
Now if this isn’t proof Uruguay means serious business this World Cup, I don’t know what is.
Uruguay beat host Russia by a comfortable 3-0 margin, with goals by Luis Suárez, Edinson Cavani and a Russian own goal.
La Celeste ended up on top of group A, securing nine points after three victories and no goals conceded.
No one will be happy to face them come the Round of 16.
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