Meet Montevideo Wanderers, Vasco’s Opponent in the Vitória Cup Friendly
After more than 20 days without taking the field, Vasco da Gama will return to action in a friendly match against Montevideo Wanderers for the Vitória Cup. The game, scheduled for this Saturday (July 5) at 5:00 p.m. at Arena das Dunas in Natal, will help Cruz-Maltino prepare for the remainder of the season following the Club World Cup break.
Montevideo Wanderers arrive with a mixed campaign so far in 2024. At one point, the Uruguayan side was battling relegation but has since managed to recover. The team has gone through three coaches this season Antonio Pacheco, Juan Martínez, and currently Alejandro Apud, who oversaw a clear improvement in performance.
Under Apud, Wanderers have lost only once in seven matches, collecting crucial points in the Uruguayan league’s annual table, which defines qualification spots for the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana.
Uruguayan journalist Enrique Arrilaga analyzed the team’s recent progress:
“The team has shown clear improvement, achieving important victories and reinforcing its defense, which had been a weak point. Offensively, they have also made strides,” he noted. “These results, though still irregular, were essential to gain points for the annual standings.”
Wanderers’ Playing Style
Montevideo Wanderers typically line up in a 5-3-2 formation, prioritizing defensive solidity. Some of the team’s standout players include midfielders Francisco Cerro and Pablo Lima, along with forwards Nicolás Ferreira and Joaquín Ceballos.
“Ferreira is one of the most important names in attack,” explained Arrilaga. “Cerro stands out as a defensive midfielder, while Ceballos is an efficient striker who moves across the attack and poses a challenge for rival defenses.”
Uruguayan journalist Juan Pablo Romero also highlighted Ferreira’s qualities as a skillful, fast winger, and praised Pablo Lima’s experience gained in Colombian football, which has helped stabilize Wanderers’ midfield.
The match this Saturday promises to be an interesting test for Vasco as the team looks to regain rhythm ahead of the restart of the Brazilian Championship.
