Mexico line-up: Perez, Rodriguez, Salcido, Marquez, Osorio, Torrado, Franco, Blanco (c) (Hernandez, 63'), Moreno (Castro, 57'), Dos Santos, Guardado (Barrera, HT)
Uruguay line-up: Muslera, Lugano (c), Fucile, Victorino, Cavani, Suarez (Fernandez, 85'), Forlan, A.Perreira (Scotti, 77'), Perez, M.Perreira, Arevalo
Uruguay just manage to secure the win to win the group ahead of Mexico, that should mean they should avoid Argentina in the next round but the way the World Cup has been so far who knows. Everybody must have been thinking a draw was on the cards, not just because it would guarantee both teams' progression but because they've drawn 17 of 18 matches and are next to each other in the rankings. However neither team played for draw and wanted to make it an exciting affair. Suarez had a great chance within the first five minutes to score as he went one-on-one with Perez but his shot went agonisingly wide. Mid-way into the half and Mexico found their feet and began to create chances. Guardado nearly scored what have been the goal of the tournament as he hit a thirty yard volley smashing against the crossbar with Muslera well beaten. Both sides looked to going in at half-time equal but Suarez was going to change all that just two minutes from half-time; Cavani played a beautiful cross into the path of Suarez where the Ajax man just had to put head to ball and Uruguay were one up.
Mexico were at unease in the second half, knowing that South Africa were 2-0 ahead they looked for that equaliser that would put the group positions in no doubt. This made the game more open and space was beginning to emerge in midfield. However it was Uruguay who looked to take the advantage and if it weren't for a brilliant save from Perez, Lugano would have nodded Uruguay 2-0 ahead from a teasing Forlan free-kick. Ultimately it was Mexico who had the best scoring chance but somehow Rodriguez sent his glancing header wide. The news of France's goal settled the Mexican bench's nerves but didn't stop Mexico attacking. They enjoyed a lot of possession in the final quarter of the game but just couldn't find that killer ball to grab the equaliser. This leaves all eyes on Group B as nothing is settled yet and neither team would choose to play Argentina in the next round, but one surely will and it should be Mexico, we'll have to wait and see.
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