Despite beating Ghana 2-0, Uruguay was eliminated from the World Cup on Friday as South Korea scored a late goal in Group H. Luis Suarez, 35, assisted on both of Giorgian De Arrascaeta’s first-half goals.
After learning of South Korea’s last-gasp victory over Portugal, Suarez spent the match on the bench in tears. It placed the Asian team above the Uruguayans in Group H on goals scored. Suarez’s controversial handball in the 2010 quarterfinals eliminated Ghana.
Uruguay and Ghana eliminated despite Suarez’s heroics
The Ghana fans booed as his name was announced every time he touched the ball. He protested Ghana’s 19th-minute penalty. Mohammed Kudus was initially called offside after Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet hauled him down, but after checking the pitchside monitor, referee Daniel Siebert gave the penalty.
Rochet quickly stopped Andre Ayew’s weak shot, and Uruguay punished Ghana. De Arrascaeta scored in the 26th minute after Suarez set up Darwin Nunez. Suarez cut inside Alidu Seidu and blasted a strong low shot that beat Lawrence Ati Zigi. De Arrascaeta pounced on a goal-bound ball.
Arrascaeta’s magnificent volley gave Ghana a mountain to climb six minutes later, with Suarez assisting Nunez’s knockdown. Siebert let Ghana off the hook before the hour mark when he ruled Daniel Amartey touched the ball while tackling Nunez. Another goal would have advanced Uruguay.
Suarez was booed and cheered when Edinson Cavani replaced him. Ghana’s response was weak. In the final nine minutes, Rochet expertly blocked Kudus’ low shot. Uruguay needed a goal and pressed but couldn’t score. Suarez was unhappy by his team’s loss as the match finished with pushing and shoving.
