THE VITALS:

Team: Uruguay

Brand: Puma

Era: 2014-15 (Used for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the 2015 Copa America and the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Campaign)

Name/Number: Suarez #9

CONDITION: EXCELLENT

This article comes in excellent condition, with the material, crest, Puma embroidery and name and numbering remaining in fine shape.

DIMENSIONS:

Size: 32-34

Pit to Pit Measurement: 17.5 inches

Shirt Length: 24 inches

Although made for a size 32-34; this shirt would fit a size small who likes to wear a fitted size small shirt, such is the flexibility of the material.

DESCRIPTION:

Puma’s 6^th edition of creating the home shirt of Uruguay was just as brilliant as its predecessors! While the previous two incarnations were strictly celeste with white, the shirt crafted ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil saw gold trims restored to the shirt, while the national colour arrangement was finely woven into the collar and sleeves. While the shirt is no doubt a modern fit, the design brings with it a retro feel, such is the simplicity and class it carries; a ploy no doubt done intentionally by Puma, owing to the nation’s illustrious football history; namely winning the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930 and their 1950 World Cup success that also took place in Brazil! It should also be noted that the crest, like many of the Puma manufactured shirts that were released ahead of the 2014-15 season, is heat applied and made from plastic, rather than an embroidery. Also, the name and numbering on the back has likely been after the shirt was made, as this was the previously used Puma lettering, this has been reflected in the price.

THE SEASON(S):

The Celeste began their final preparations ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil with a 1-1 draw with Austria, before back-to-back wins over Northern Ireland and Slovenia set Oscar Tabarez’ side for their intense Group D challenge alongside: Italy, England and Costa Rica. An opportunity to set the tone was wasted as they were stunned 3-1 against Costa Rica, however, Luis Suarez’ brace against England would set them up for a winner take all clash against Italy. Diego Godin would continue his incredible run of goals in big games by scoring a late winner to eliminate the 2006 World champions; however, the win would come at a price for Luis Suarez as his ill-fated bite of Giorgio Chiellini would see him ruled of the rest of the competition. Without arguably the most in-form player on the planet at that time, Uruguay would fall 2-0 against Colombia in the Round of 16. Following on from that set back, Uruguay would enjoy strong end to 2014, as they welcomed the challenges of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the defence of their Copa America title in 2015. Wins over Morocco and Guatemala would prepare Uruguay for their Group B opponents: Jamaica, Argentina and Paraguay. Despite an underwhelming showing, they would qualify from the group, however, they would meet hosts Chile in the quarter final and fall late on, in what was yet another disappointing tournament for Oscar Taberez’ side. Following on from their tournament exit, they would put themselves in a commanding position to start their World Cup qualification bid; winning 3 of their opening 4 games; concluding the year with a strong 3-0 win over newly minted Copa America champions: Chile!

The notable players that season(s) were:

Edinson Cavani, Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez, Abel Hernandez, Jonathan Rodriguez, Cristhian Stuani, Diego Rolan, Alvaro Gonzalez, Gaston Ramirez, Edigio Arevalo Rios, Diego Perez, Nicolas Lodeiro, Cristian Rodriguez, Alvaro Pereira, Walter Gargano, Carlos Sanchez, Guzman Pereira, Diego Lugano, Diego Godin, Jorge Fucile, Jose Gimenez, Maxi Pereira, Sebastian Coates, Martin Caceres, Gaston Silva, Martin Silva, Rodrigo Munoz, Fernando Muslera