Uruguay won thanks to a goal from Luis Suarez
At the 2010 World Cup, Uruguay won Group A after defeating Mexico 1-0 on Tuesday at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. Luis Suarez’s goal just before halftime gave the Uruguayans the victory. Despite losing, the Mexican team nevertheless advanced to the tournament’s round of 16.
The game’s lone goal was scored in the 43rd minute by Ajax Amsterdam forward Suarez, who headed home an exquisite right-wing cross from Edinson Cavani. Suarez’s first goal of the competition was that one.
Since both teams knew that a point would advance them to the knockout round, the game was a struggle in the middle of the field. It was a close game with limited chances for goals to be scored.
But Uruguay, champions of the 1930 and 1950 World Cups, sought more to take first place in their group. Suarez should have given them the lead right away with a clear chance on goal, but he managed to miss when the goal was right at his fingertips.
When Andres Guardado’s long-range shot struck the crossbar in the 22nd minute, “El Tri” came close to taking the lead. Guardado is one of Mexico’s most dangerous players.
Before Suarez gave Uruguay the lead with the halftime siren approaching, they had a couple of good chances to score.
After the interval, Mexico tried to breach the Uruguay wall. Still, although looking extremely spirited, especially via Giovani Dos Santos, they were unable to do so due to the resilient Uruguay defense.
The finest opportunity for Mexico to tie the score occurred in the 65th minute when Francisco Rodriguez was given an open goal, but much to the surprise of his teammates, he missed the plan with a header.
The team led by Javier Aguirre tried everything to force a draw, but the excellent Uruguay defense held them off. The Lazio goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was equally brilliant; he hasn’t allowed a goal in the competition.
With the victory, Uruguay moved into first place in Group A with seven points, ahead of Mexico’s four points. South Africa, who defeated France 2-1 on Tuesday, finished third with four points but was eliminated owing to Mexico’s superior goal differential. The competition’s greatest letdown, France, came in last place with just one point.
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