Getty Image
Uruguay is one of the most storied nations in FIFA World Cup history. The country both hosted and won the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930 and then won it again in Brazil in 1950.
But the Uruguayans are going out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar before even reaching the knockout rounds of the tournament. It’s the first time since 2006, when it did not qualify for the tournament, that Uruguay has failed to reach the knockout rounds.
And the Uruguayan team was not happy about it.
Uruguay entered Friday’s third and final Group H match needing a win against Ghana and some help from Portugal against South Korea to advance. A win by the Uruguayans and a loss or draw for South Korea would seem them through. If South Korea beat Portugal, Uruguay would have to have a better goal differential to advance on a tiebreaker.
Uruguay took care of its part of the bargain, topping Ghana 2-0. But South Korea scored a dramatic, stoppage time winner again Portugal to advance on the third tiebreaker, goals scored.
Definitely turn your sound up for this 🔊🆙
Here's how South Korea's game-winning goal sounded for viewers in South Korea ⬇️🔥
(via: SBS) pic.twitter.com/Q1zYsiVRJD
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 2, 2022
But the Uruguayans felt they should have been awarded a penalty kick late in the match. If they had scored it, they would have won 3-0 and advanced via the second tiebreaker, goal differential. Instead, they were eliminated.
Uruguay Players Put Hands Off Referee After Elimination, Follow Him Down The Tunnel
The Uruguay players were devastated after the match and took their frustrations out on referee Daniel Siebert, even going so far as to follow him down the tunnel after the match.
Suarez was emotional after the final whistle pic.twitter.com/aNApvOhtmA
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 2, 2022
Uruguay players follow the game officials into the tunnel after the final whistle pic.twitter.com/bVCIXKM2RW
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 2, 2022
Fans were furious with the Uruguayan players after the display.
Disgrace. Never a penalty
Ref: “I do not apologize for making the right call. Maybe score and don’t depend on a PK shout. Safe travels” https://t.co/SYlNrD0nA2
— G (@___deucedeuce) December 2, 2022
https://twitter.com/AlabamaMagpie/status/1598730550507806720?s=20&t=54MQnEErDpp8025pr679Xg
https://twitter.com/poloral05855827/status/1598730288040771584?s=20&t=54MQnEErDpp8025pr679Xg
South Korea will now take on likely Group G winner Brazil in the Round of 16 barring something insane in the afternoon games. While Portugal, even despite the loss, advances as the winner of Group H.