Uruguay became the first country to reach the World Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over South Korea at a sodden Nelson Mandela Bay stadium on Saturday
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Goals in either half from Suarez earned the South Americans, who last made the quarter-finals in 1970 when they finished fourth, a last eight date with either the United States or Ghanau00a0-- who play later on Saturdayu00a0-- in Johannesburg on July 2.
"When I scored the winning goal it was an incredible feeling, an indescribable joy, I couldn't believe it," said Suarez, who scored the winning goal for his country in the 80th minute.
Luis Suarez (center) celebrates the winning goal.u00a0 pic/gettyimages |
Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez added: "This Korea side played a great match, this confirms how balanced football has become around the world. Our victory was hard fought, it puts us into the quarter-finals and allows us to continue our dream."
His South Korean counterpart Huh Jung-Moo said his players had done their best.
"My players never gave up, they were tenacious and rose to the challenge, they showed they were true Koreans," he said.
"We wanted to go into the quarter-finals, we had lots of chances. Uruguay were lucky enough to score, we lost because we weren't able to match them."
Uruguay vs S Korea: Key moments
8th minute
Diego Forlan made a low cross from the left which keeper chose to leave Suarez tapped in.
67th minute
Park's freekick was headed back across the area, Chung-yong, beat the charging Lugano to score.
80th minute
Forlan's corner found it's way to Suarez on the left edge of the box, who cut inside onto his right foot and curled a perfect finish inside the back post.
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