Former Uruguayan international and 1995 Copa América champion Gustavo Poyet recently spoke to FIFA, discussing the responsibility of wearing the Uruguayan national team jersey and the changes brought by coach Marcelo Bielsa. In his opinion, Bielsa's most important contribution was helping Uruguay regain its intense game intensity and ambition.

When asked about the difference between playing for the national team and playing for a club, Poyet said: "When you win for a club, you make your family, friends, and club fans happy. But when you win for the national team, you bring joy to far more people. Your hometown, neighbors, school, and even the whole country celebrate. So it's a completely different level of feeling."

Poyet believes that wearing the Uruguayan jersey is both an honor and a pressure.

"It's both wonderful and painful because you have the responsibility to win. Uruguay has a population of only about 3.5 million, but we won the 1930 and 1950 FIFA World Cups and many Copa América titles. Therefore, no matter what competition we participate in, people expect us to win."

"On paper, there's no reason for Uruguay to be considered a favorite in every competition, but that's how Uruguayans think."

When discussing the difference between the national team he played for in the 1990s and the current Uruguayan team, Poyet believes that playing style and results must be balanced.

"Football style is certainly important. When you win, everyone loves that style. But once you lose, people miss the way you used to win. Fans have never forgotten Uruguay's traditional winning ways; it has become part of the national football culture."

"The team's tactical philosophy and player characteristics must be highly aligned, only then can everyone be convinced. And as long as you can win, no matter what method you use, fans will ultimately support you."

Regarding Uruguay's prospects in this FIFA World Cup, Poyet said he is still observing the team's changes.

"I'm not entirely sure what kind of team they will show, because there's always talk about whether Uruguay will adjust their formation in the first match."

"I hope the team can stick to the basic framework established by the coach, but ultimately it's the players who decide the game. Once on the field, you have your duties and tasks, but beyond that, everything depends on the players' own judgment. Every game is different, every opponent, every offensive and defensive transition brings new situations. There are countless constantly changing factors in a football match, and the ones who ultimately make the decisions are always the players."

When talking about Bielsa, Poyet believes that the Argentine famous coach has injected the most important element into Uruguay — intensity.

"I think Bielsa brings intensity. He has been constantly trying various ways to find and maintain this energy over the years. He wants his team to always maintain a high-intensity game state."

"For a while, people emphasized confronting opponents head-on. Later, it developed into high-pressing, quick counter-pressing, and an attacking style that moves forward quickly. What I mean by fast forward isn't simply a long pass, but pushing the ball to the front field as quickly as possible after regaining possession."

However, Poyet also explained why Uruguay's performance has sometimes been inconsistent under Bielsa.

"After Bielsa took over, Uruguay actually reached a peak very quickly. I think it only took four months."

"The problem is that it's very difficult to maintain that level for a long time. The reason is not only that opponents gradually become familiar with your style of play, but also that the situations of some key players change."

"For example, Nicolas de la Cruz, his form has fluctuated after transferring to Brazil, and he has also experienced injuries and reduced playing time. I think the team's problems started from that stage."

"The biggest characteristic of Uruguayan players is their extremely strong willpower. This is both an advantage and potentially a burden. If this personality trait can be controlled correctly, it will help the team succeed."

When talking about Uruguay's current star player, Federico Valverde, Poyet did not hide his admiration.

"I once played for a Uruguayan national team with many great players, those players were outstanding in Uruguayan football history."

"But honestly, no one has been able to serve as a core player at the top level of Real Madrid for such a long time like Valverde. This is a special asset that Uruguay must make full use of."

Poyet believes that Uruguay should give Valverde greater freedom.

"I hope Valverde can have full playing freedom."

"I don't think he has much left to learn. Let him play freely and see what happens."

"Look at some of the games he played with Arnold on the right flank; he was able to score, penetrate the penalty area, and shoot. What he needs most is freedom."

"I even think he shouldn't feel like he has to carry the whole team alone. Just let him play his way."

For the forwards, Poyet's top pick is Nunez.

"If I had to pick a player who might break out at the FIFA World Cup, I would choose Nunez. Because of his desire to win, and what this competition means to him."

"Many people think that player transfers only take five minutes to decide, but leaving Liverpool and the Premier League for the Saudi League is actually a very difficult decision."

"At that time, he was able to play and score at Liverpool, and was part of the team. But then Benzema joined, and due to foreign player quota restrictions, he had to lose his position, which affected him somewhat."

Poyet believes that Nunez has been waiting for the FIFA World Cup stage.

"I think he has been waiting for this moment. For a player, there is nothing more wonderful than having fighting spirit burning inside. When you tell yourself, 'Come on, I'm ready,' that feeling is very special."

"I believe he can perform at a high level."

"As for whether he can play continuously for 90 minutes and throughout the entire group stage, I'm not sure. After all, he hasn't played much recently."

"But one thing I have no doubt about — he will give his all on the field."

When discussing Spain, the strong opponent Uruguay will face in the group stage, Poyet gave very high praise.

"In my opinion, France, Argentina, and Spain are all favorites to win. France has incredible squad depth. When they make substitutions, you're even surprised to say: 'Such a player wasn't on the field before?'"

"The same goes for Argentina. And the current Spain also has this ability. Their players have played in a unified system for a long time, so even substitute players know exactly how to help the team improve its performance."

"In a sense, substitute players may even be more influential than the players on the field. It's not that they are stronger, but because they fully understand the system requirements and know how to make the team better."

"Having 26 players with exactly the same philosophy is an important reason why Spain is a contender for the FIFA World Cup title."

Finally, looking ahead to the match against Spain, Poyet said with a smile:

"Hopefully by then, we will have won the first two games. If we don't win the first two, then facing Spain will become very difficult. I think it will be a tough battle. Spain will try to control the game, and Uruguay must find a way to counter them."

"As for how to counter, Uruguay never sets limits."

"The game could be very exciting, with one team controlling possession and the other waiting for a counter-attack; of course, it could also turn into a game full of physical confrontation and fighting spirit."

"In any case, it will definitely be a very typical FIFA World Cup strong-on-strong encounter."