With both teams no doubt well aware that a draw of any kind would send them through, neutrals watching could be forgiven for expecting the kind of goalless, chance-less encounter that sends tongues wagging and diplomats feverishly booking meetings.
Thoughts of such a pre-planned match went out the window early on though as the tie quickly turned into an end-to-end battle that no amount of cynicism could put down to a well-organised plot.
- Mexico 0-1 Uruguay - As it happened
It took only six minutes for the first big chance, with the usually reliable Suarez finding himself one-on-one with Oscar Perez, only for the Ajax star to place his low shot wide of the far post.Just over ten minutes later Mauricio Victorino should have put Uruguay ahead when Diego Forlan's corner found him unmarked eight yards out but he had to stoop a touch to head towards goal and the ball flew over the bar.
Mexico looked the more limited side but came within a yard of scoring, just as South Africa were taking the lead in Bloemfontein, through Andres Guardado's thunderous, 30-yard shot that hit the underside of the bar and bounced the wrong side of the goalline.
Just as the match began to turn into the kind of stalemate some had predicted, Uruguay took the lead two minutes before half time.
Suaraz proved more clinical with his head than his feet, making a great run towards the back post and meeting an inch-perfect cross from Forlan to find the bottom corner.
At that point South Africa were leading France by two goals and had a one-man advantage, needing a further two goals for themselves or Uruguay to give them the required goal difference to finish above Mexico.
The Mexicans were unable to come out firing for the second half, failing to test Uruguay until the 65th minute when Francisco Rodriguez looked certain to nod in Pablo Barrera's cross only to find his glancing header was far too thin, sending the ball wide of the far post.
Despite controlling possession Uruguay also failed to create many chances, with the best coming for Diego Lugano when the defender headed another Forlan cross towards goal but found Perez well placed to make a diving save.
As South Africa failed to push on, Mexico became less urgent and Uruguay happier the keep their lead intact as they contemplate a probable clash with South Korea, while Mexico can start worrying about Argentina in the round of 16.
Source: DSG
