Diego Lugano: 'We can win the World Cup'

Uruguay defender Diego Lugano has expressed his belief that his side are more than capable of winning the World Cup.

Oscar Tabarez's side reached the semi-finals of the tournament four years ago in South Africa, and the 33-year-old is adamant that his team have the ability to go one better in Brazil.

Lugano is quoted as saying by The Mirror: "The last World Cup we reached the semi-finals. And if we get out of this group, we can get to the final – like we did the last time the finals were in Brazil.

"Let me tell you, if we go through the group stage, we will be candidates to win the World Cup. Our opponents definitely respect us."

Uruguay face Costa Rica in their first match in Group D on Saturday.