Uruguayan midfielder Alvaro Gonzalez has said that pride and belief will be key if the South Americans are to beat Italy and progress to the World Cup knockout phase.

La Celeste are level on points with the Azzurri, but Gonzalez is hopeful that they have all the attributes needed to beat the 2006 world champions.

He told FIFA.com: "We arrived in Brazil with high expectations given our performances in South Africa, at the Copa America and at the Confederations Cup. We should honour those achievements every time we step out on to the pitch.

"We want to stay in Brazil as long as possible. Four years ago we played in the match for third place but now we're aiming for the final. That's our dream and we don't want to stop dreaming yet. If you dream and believe then that can push you to do great things. We believe we can make it."

Uruguay lost to Italy at last year's Confederations Cup, with the Azzurri triumphing on penalties.