Imagine Brazil without Neymar, or Argentina without Messi. That is Uruguay -- and manager Oscar Tabarez's -- predicament after FIFA suspended star forward Luis Suarez last week for biting Italian centerback Giorgio Chiellini.

Suarez bit the Italian player during Uruguay's matchup against Italy at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and while Suarez did not receive a red card during the game, he now faces a four-month ban, which includes the upcoming games of the World Cup.

And now, La Celeste is left scrambling ahead of their crucial Round of 16 match with Colombia -- a team that steamrolled through Group C play.

Colombian striker Radamel Falcao's knee injury last January left question marks as to who would transition into a playmaker. James Rodriguez has filled in nicely since Tabarez's decision to move Rodriguez from the left flank into a more central role.

He's been one of the tournament's best players, leading Los Cafeteros to a comfortable +7 goal differential.

When: Saturday, June 28, 2014

Where: Estadio do Maracana, Rio De Janeiro

Kick-off: 4:00 p.m. ET

Live Stream: Watch ESPN

TV: ABC

What to Watch For:

Who Replaces Suarez - Uruguay will need Edinson Cavani to step up. If he doesn't become Tabarez's lone striker, expect Cavani to be a potent backup for Diego Forlan.

Forlan, who's only taste of the World Cup came in a 3-1 loss to Costa Rica, is the viable choice to take Suarez's place. After all, he's no stranger to replacing his suspended teammate.

Forlan replaced Suarez in a pre-tournament friendly double-header while he recovered from last month's meniscus operation.

Uruguayans can't expect the five-goal, team-leading speedster who received the Golden Ball in 2010. What they can expect is a midfielder who will give Cavani striking opportunities.  

Rodriguez vs. Uruguay's Defense - The Colombian's haven't skipped a beat since Falcao's injury, thanks in large part to Rodriguez. He's contributed to five of their nine goals, making two assists and three goals.

Facing Rodriguez and the World Cup's second-highest scoring team, Uruguayan defense men have a lot on their plate.

Midfielders Cristian Rodriguez and Alvaro Gonzalez will have double duty, throwing off Rodriguez while shielding their own fullbacks. It's a tall task, and perhaps one that is easier said than done.

Colombia ran rampant in group play by isolating defenders on the flanks. Ultimately, all Uruguay can do is try to limit the damage.

Prediction - Los Cafeteros' relentless attack coupled with Suarez's suspension leaves Uruguay vulnerable. Colombia 2-0

Projected Lineups:

Colombia (4-2-3-1): David Ospina, Pablo Armero, Mario Yepes, Cristian Zapata, Juan Zuniga, Carlos Sanchez, Abel Aguilar, Victor Ibarbo, James Rodriguez, Juan Coadrado, Jackson Martinez

Uruguay (4-4-2): Fernando Muslera, Alvaro Pereira, Diego Godin, Jose Maria Gimenez, Martin Caceres, Cristian Rodriguez, Egidio Arevalo Rios, Nicolas Lodeiro, Alvaro Gonzalez, Diego Forlan, Edinson Cavani