The Charruas and the Albicelestes go head to head tomorrow to join Brazil, Paraguay and Chile in South Africa.

A win for either side in Montevideo would clinch automatic qualification, while a draw would see Argentina progress directly assuming Ecuador do not beat Chile in Santiago by more than five goals.

Any sort of win for Ecuador would see them progress to a play-off with a CONCACAF nation at the expense of either Argentina or Uruguay.

Tabarez said today: "I want all of Uruguay to play this match.

"I want all Uruguayans to cheer the team and they will surely feel this team will do their best for our people.

"I want to tell fans they have to trust in this team because we'll reply in the best way."

Argentina coach Diego Maradona has told his players to attack the task with pride.

"Our chances of progressing to the World Cup remain intact," he said. "We must go to Uruguay to fight for our qualification. We'll do that with pride."

Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa, born in Argentina, insisted his side would be going all out to beat Ecuador, despite now having nothing to play for.

He said: "I don't need anything relating to my nationality to say we'll do our best to defeat Ecuador.

"But I really want Argentina to progress."

Chile defender Waldo Ponce added: "We will not give away anything. We'll play like in all the past matches."

However, Ecuador captain Ivan Hurtado said: "Getting the play-off berth is up to us, it's up to the result of our match.

"We know we must win in Chile. It's our last chance and we'll hold onto that."

On top of the standings, only goal difference puts Brazil above Paraguay, with both sides level on 33 points.

Brazil must beat Venezuela to win the qualification group three rounds after they secured their berth in the World Cup with a 3-1 win at Argentina.

In Asuncion, meanwhile, Paraguay host Colombia, whose chances of making it into the World Cup totally vanished on Saturday when they lost 4-2 to Chile.

Finally, Peru and Bolivia - the teams who have collected the fewest points - end their World Cup participation in Lima.

Last weekend, Peru lost 2-1 in Argentina courtesy of an injury-time goal from Martin Palermo, while Bolivia defeated Brazil 2-1 in La Paz.