The South Koreans started well with Park Ji-Sung sprinting down to the edge of the area only for Diego Lugano to snuff out his attempt for through-pass.

Moments later, Park Chu-Young's curling free-kick was blocked, not by keeper Fernando Muslera, who stood watching helplessly, but by the post.

It was Uruguay who drew first blood in the eighth minute, when an unmarked Suarez calmly pushed a Diego Forlan's low cross to the empty net.

The South Koreans evened the scores on 68 minutes when, from a free-kick, Bolton's Lee Chung-Yong pounced on Mauricio Victorino's attempted clearance, to nod in from eight yards.

It was the first goal Uruguay had conceded in the tournament and they came close to losing a second when Lee Chung-Yong delivered a tame shot inside the area after he was superbly played in by Park Ji-Sung.

With 10 minutes to go, when the ball came to Suarez's way on the edge of the box following a corner, the Ajax forward curled a spectacular shot which deflected in off the post.

The South Koreans fell to their knees at the final whistle as the Uruguayans celebrated with a group hug in the downpour.

"I'm really happy because being young I always dream of these types of moments," Suarez said. "These moments we' re experiencing are once in a lifetime."

The South Korea coach believed his team could have had a different result, saying that his men would leave the tournament with their heads held high.

"This was not the result we wanted, but my players gave their best. My team should be congratulated," said Huh.

"Uruguay were lucky in their goals."

On luck part, Uruguay coach agreed.

"Korea played a great game, but that slice of luck went our way not theirs this time - that's football," said Oscar Tabarez.

"It was a very hard-fought victory that took a lot out of us. The team's solidity and cohesion really came to the fore late on and, without getting carried away, I think that is a great quality to have whatever team you're up against."
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