Luis Suarez carries Uruguay into final 8

In a pouring rainstorm in South Africa, Luis Suarez netted twice lifting Uruguay to their first knockout stage win at a World Cup since 1970.  Uruguay knocked off a very good South Korea squad 2-1 on the afternoon.

The South Americans came out pushing for the opening goal and found it only 8 minutes into the match when a cross skipped through the South Korean penalty area to the onrushing Luis Suarez who scored from a very tight angle into the far side net.  From there it looked like Uruguay were going to be content to sit back and rely on their stout defense which had not given up a goal in the three group matches.

Uruguay say deeper and deeper, yielding possession and inviting the South Koreans to attack.  It seemed like just a matter of time until South Korea would be rewarded for their constant pressure.  In the 68th minute they got the reward they so deserved.  A freekick was flighted to the backpost where the ball was redirected back across goal to the near post.  Lee Chung-Yong was lurking there and rose to head it into the net.  The game was on.

Could Uruguay get out of their defensive shell and try to find the winner?  Or would South Korea keep pushing and go on to win?  The rain came down in sheets and both sides went about finding the goal to send them to the next round.

It would be a bit of magic that sent Uruguay through.  After a quiet second half where he rarely saw much of the ball, Luis Suarez picked up the ball on the left of the Korean penalty area.  A deft touch inside set him up for a wonderful curling shot that found the inside of the backpost and went in.  A truly wonderful finish worthy of a World Cup winner.

Uruguay now advances to face the winner of the USA-Ghana match from later today and they have to fancy their chances to make a semifinal appearance at this year's World Cup.