With a rich history of FIFA World Cup appearances and a talented and experienced squad, Uruguay’s failure to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in two decades was a disaster entirely of their own making.
And after winning the 1930 and 1950 titles and participating in 14 World Cup tournaments, Uruguay’s participation became almost permanent in the round of sixteen or beyond, and he could not have any excuses for leaving today, Friday, from Group Eight.
Uruguay showed thirst and dynamism in their 2-0 win over Ghana in Al Wakrah and that was exactly what the World Cup had expected of them, but it was too late as the South Americans paid dearly for failing to score in their first two matches.
And for a team famous for its outstanding strikers, it was the most painful exit, as South Korea beat already-qualified Portugal today to advance from Group H, not on points or goal difference but on goals scored.
The conditions were in place for another World Cup success, with a strong momentum of victories in the last four qualifying matches after Diego Alonso took charge over a year ago before turning the season around.
His team was largely absent from injuries and had an enviable mix of experience and youth, as 5 players competed in the World Cup for the fourth time, including strikers Luis Sorez and Edinson Cavani, along with 13 players for the first time, including Federico Valverde of Real Madrid and Rodrigo Bentancur. Tottenham Hotspur and Darwin Nunez, Liverpool striker.
Uruguay started embarrassingly in Al Rayyan in their opening goalless draw with a South Korean team that ambushed them at the beginning, and despite regaining their composure, they failed to send a single shot on goal.
Portugal implemented similar tactics in their 2-0 win in Lusail, striking Uruguay early on and denying them any chances.
Needing to win, Uruguay turned out to be a completely different team against Ghana, with Suarez, Nunez, Facundo Pellestri and Jorgian de Arscaita confident in attack.
But for a team with a winning record and its ability to turn things around in their favour, Uruguay may for years regret their slow start in Qatar.
“We found our way. We were brave, we had the ball and we had no fear,” Alonso said of the win, despite being knocked out.
He continued, “Of course, I wanted to see this performance from the team before, but this is what happened. The players’ back was broken, they did their best.”