The South Americans take on France in their opening Group A match before facing hosts South Africa and Mexico, but it is only Uruguay's second World Cup in 20 years.

Nonetheless, skipper Lugano believes that anything can happen when the finals begin, refusing to rule out the possibility of a third World Cup title.

"Uruguay are going to put up a fight," Lugano said. "It's our dream and personally I believe that until someone beats us and puts us out of the tournament, no-one here will take that from their minds, that we can be world champions.

"Uruguay are not among the favourites because for years now we have not had performances that endorse this favouritism.

"There are six or seven teams who, individually and collectively, are superior to Uruguay, even though these teams could be Brazil, Spain, Italy, Argentina, in one game you can beat them as has already happened many times in the history of Uruguayan football."