FIFA World Cup 2010: Round of 16 Day 1 Recap
June 27, 2010
Uruguay Role Back the Years
South Korea 1-2 Uruguay Port Elizabeth
South Korea threw everything they had at Uruguay in the second half of the last 16 clash but in the end the Red Devils fell to a wonder goal from Ajax captain Luis Suarez.
La Celeste will now move on to face the last remaining African team for a place in the World Cup semi finals next Friday, in what is their first quarter final in 40 years.
The two time champions started the game the brighter. Diego Forlan was prominent in everything his team did in the opening minutes but once his team scored after eight minutes he reverted into his shell.
The Atletico Madrid goal machine whipped in a teasing but easily manageable cross that Korean goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong decided to let role past him. As the hole South Korean defensive line decided to stop playing Luis Suarez was popping up at the back post to stroke the Jabulani into an empty net.
Considering Uruguay's form in the group stages one would be forgiven for thinking the game was already over. With three games played the South Americans had conceded no goals even though they gave up the majority of possession, but this is a spirited and talented South Korean team who were creating history for Asian football by reaching the last 16 outside their own country.
The Koreans came out to play once they fell behind. The Uruguayans left their attacking trio of Suarez, Forlan and Cavani alone in the Korean half as the remainder of the team retreated into their own. Led by captain Diego Lugano the celeste rearguard had forced the Red Devils into only shooting from distance. The South Koreans had raised their game however, playing at pace and passing the ball quickly while throwing bodies forward whenever they counterattacked.
Once the second half came along the South Koreans had their opponents on the ropes. An equalizer seemed inevitable as the Uruguayan defence began to creak for the first time in over three and a half games.
Eventually the Asians get their just reward for all their rain soaked pressure. A free kick is swung into the area from the left. It's headed up into the air by Victorino. The goalkeeper Muslera comes out to claim but gets nowhere near. Lee Chung-young gets his head to it, and guides it into the empty net. Uruguay concede a goal at last - and what a terrible one it is too.
With 20 minutes left the game completely opened up as both sides smelled blood. With the rain lashing down the game turned into a dog fight, especially with the pitch being torn to pieces. Despite the damage to the surface, it didn't stop Suarez winning the game for his country.
Following a corner from the far side of the pitch, the Ajax man retrieved the over hit corner at the edge of the box to the left of the goal frame. One touch took him away from two defenders and gave him all the space that was required to bend a beautiful strike around the keeper and inside the far post.
The magnitude of the perfect finish showed the importance of the goal. Suarez jumped over photographers to embrace the substitutes, injuring one in the process, but the smile could not be wiped from his face. It was a goal worthy of winning any game.
South Korean fought valiantly until the final minute and they can take heart from not only a positive performance but a successful tournament. Their up and down group stage showings culminated in a daring display in Port Elizabeth. They left everything they had out on the field.
All five South American teams still remain as Uruguay live to fight another day. Ultimately it was their talent up front that was the difference as Suarez jumps to the top of the scoring charts with a host of others on three.
Montevideo was sent into rapturous celebrations as Uruguayans now firmly believe in their ability to win a third mundial and a first in 60 years.
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