2010 World Cup: Uruguay v South Korea half time report
Uruguay 1 South Korea 0
Uruguay have one foot in the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals after Luis Suarez's early strike gave Oscar Tabarez's side a vital 1-0 half time lead against South Korea in Port Elizabeth.
Park Chu-Young was a post width away from handing South Korea an early lead when his 25-yard free-kick struck the outside of Fernando Muslera's right-hand post. Uruguay, who hadn't conceded a single goal in the group stages, were left to count themselves rather fortunate after surviving that scare.
Just moments later, at the other end, Suarez found himself in acres of space inside the South Korea penalty area and duly slotted home to give Uruguay a priceless lead at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
However, it was his strike-partner, Diego Forlan, who should take a large chunk of credit for the goal. His cross from the right flank was fired dangerously across the six-yard box; but a combination of catastrophic defending and poor goalkeeping from Jung Sung-Ryong certainly played a major part in the goal. Suarez was left with the simple task of firing the ball into the open net.
The Uruguayans have looked comfortable and assured – particularly in defence, where their formidable backline has remained largely untroubled.
The lively Chu-Young created another good opportunity for himself on the half hour mark, but his long-range effort sailed just wide of Fernando Muslera's far post.
Full credit must go to South Korea for the way they responded to conceding that early Suarez goal. Having ending the half as the stronger side, Huh Jong-Moo's team must continue to press for an equaliser over the next 45 minutes if they're to stay in the tournament.
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