Abreu Playing to win

There are not many players who can boast of scoring a goal a game against the mighty Brazil, but Uruguay's 32-year-old hitman Sebastian Abreu is one of them. The well-travelled forward, currently at Real Sociedad in Spain's second tier, has scored twice in two encounters with the five-time FIFA World Cup™ winners, as well as a cheeky penalty shootout kick in the style of Zinedine Zidane's opener in the Final of Germany 2006.

Shortly before the upcoming South American clásico that is Uruguay versus Brazil, which takes place on 6 June in Montevideo, Abreu spoke exclusively to FIFA.com about his record against the Seleção, historic duels between the two national sides and the Celeste's mind games with their illustrious neighbours.

FIFA.com: Sebastian, you are back in Spanish football and thriving at the age of 32. How does it feel?
Sebastian Abreu: On a personal note, the verdict is very positive. I've scored ten goals in 17 games, which is a good rate, especially since I had very little time to adapt to such a competitive league. I'm happy, the social and financial situation is good and the people are very welcoming. I made the right decision.

And what about the Uruguayan national team?
We're doing well and this is because of a serious and long-term project like the one headed by El Maestro [Oscar] Tabarez. It's bearing fruit: the U-17 and U-20 sides qualified for their respective World Cups this year, something that doesn't happen often. And we're on the same track with good football, balance and new players. We've had plenty of praise and now we're aiming to avoid a play-off.