Despite defeating Ghana 2-0 on Friday, Uruguay was eliminated from the World Cup after South Korea scored a late goal in the other Group H match to overtake the South American team.
In the first half, Giorgian De Arrascaeta scored twice in a row, both of which were assisted by 35-year-old Luis Suarez.
Suarez, however, concluded the game in tears on the bench as he heard about South Korea’s dramatic victory over Portugal, which allowed the Asian team to pass the Uruguayans and move into second position in Group H in terms of goals scored.
Suarez, a seasoned attacker, was the focus of the pregame buildup due to his controversial handball in the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals, which contributed to Ghana’s elimination.
When his name was announced by the stadium announcers, the Ghana fans booed him loudly, and they continued to do so each time he touched the ball.
When Ghana was given a penalty in the 19th minute, he was also in charge of the demonstrations.
After the judgment to call Mohammed Kudus offside when he was hauled down by Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet was reversed, referee Daniel Siebert awarded the penalty kick after consulting the pitchside monitor.
However, Rochet was able to save Andre Ayew’s weak attempt, and Uruguay took advantage of the stunned silence of Ghana’s supporters to score a goal.
Mohammed Salisu’s stunning goalline clearance prevented Darwin Nunez from scoring, but in the 26th minute, De Arrascaeta nodded in from close range following brilliant work from Suarez.
Suarez intercepted a bad pass from the right that slipped past two Ghanaian defenders, cut inside Alidu Seidu, and fired a strong low effort that slipped through Lawrence Ati Zigi’s gloves. When De Arrascaeta pounced, the ball was moving closer to the goal.
In the following six minutes, Uruguay gave Ghana a mountain to climb when Arrascaeta produced an exquisite volley at the conclusion of an excellent team effort, with Suarez providing the first-time assist from Nunez’s knockdown.
Just before the hour mark, Siebert absolved Ghana of any responsibility when he determined that Daniel Amartey had touched the ball while tackling Nunez in the area.
That choice would prove to be vital because another goal would have advanced Uruguay.
When Suarez replaced Edinson Cavani in the 66th minute, the crowd applauded and jeered him in equal measure.
Ghana had trouble coming up with anything in response. The closest they came to scoring again was when Rochet expertly deflected Kudus’ fierce low shot with nine minutes left.
When Uruguay realized they needed another goal, they pushed themselves forward but were unable to score.
The game finished with shoving and pushing, and Suarez was upset at the outcome for
