Oscar Tabarez hopeful of Uruguay progress

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has insisted that his side will have their chances to beat Italy during Tuesday's vital World Cup encounter in Natal.

The South Americans have to defeat the Azzurri in order to reach the second round of the competition.

"They've been world champions four times and we have a lot of respect for them," Tabarez, 67, is quoted as saying by FIFA.com.

"It will be a tough challenge for us but I believe we'll have our chances."

Uruguay reached the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup before losing out to the Netherlands.