World Cup - Not An Impossible Dream

[khunking]

Third world South American countries with small populations and worse off GNP indexes made it with a world class approach. No foreigners required.

Top Ten Latin America GNP & Population Statistics


Richest South American Countries (GNP per capita)

1. Argentina (pop. 39.9 million) ... $12,530
2. Chile (pop. 16.1 million) ... $10,610
3. Uruguay (pop. 3.4 million) ... $9,030
4. Brazil (pop. 188.1 million) ... $7,940
5. Colombia (pop. 43.6 million) ... $6,940
6. Venezuela (pop. 25.7 million) ... $5,830
7. Peru (pop. 28.3 million) ... $5,400
8. Paraguay (pop. 6.5 million) ... $4,820
9. Equador (pop. 13.5 million) ... $3,770
10. Bolivia (pop. 9 million) ... $2,600

*based on 2004 PPP GNP per capita in international$

 

[Ramseth]

Uruguay won the World Cup twice. Anyway, Uruguay has big footballing hinterlands. Many of their players play in Argentine and Brazilian leagues alongside the best.

Incidentally, Uruguay has always done well in World Cup years ending in 0:

1930 - Champions
1950 - Champions
1970 - Semi-Finalists
1990 - 2nd Round
2010 - ?

 

[khunking]

I think Uruguay was knocked out together with France at the group stage during the Korean WC back in 2002.