ctfc.com World Cup reporter Tom Blackburn reports on England's 2-1 defeat to Uruguay.
England will once again feel aggrieved as they lost 2-1 for a second time in six days at the World Cup in Brazil, on this occasion against a Luis Suarez inspired Uruguay that left England on the brink of qualification failure.
Suarez stole the show with a goal in each half for Uruguay, who have a population one third of the size of Greater London’s, whilst Wayne Rooney scored England’s goal in between.
The defeat leaves England on the edge of an early world cup exit, however eyes will be cast onto the Italy vs Costa Rica match on Friday as England’s slim hopes of qualification for the second round rely on Italy triumphing.
Both teams looked to attack and go forward from the start, and it was Uruguay who went closest in the early stages. However it was Rooney who spurned the best chance to open the scoring when he headed onto the crossbar from close range.
Just prior to that Uruguay were perhaps fortunate to not lose their captain, Diego Godin, after half an hour for a second bookable offence that left England fans frustrated.
Suarez eventually opened the scoring six minutes before the break when his fabulous movement evaded Phil Jagielka and left him in space to head home Edison Cavani’s perfectly weighted cross towards the back post.
Uruguay held their lead till half time, and it was the South American nation that started the second half positively with three half chances that they failed to capitalise on.
The Three Lions did finally roar in the 75th minute when Rooney scored from close range. England had threatened for a sustained period, and just when the match began to look die down Glen Johnson made a break into the box and played the ball to Rooney who put the goal into the net for his first ever World Cup goal.
Following the equaliser England looked threatening and as though they may have had the potential to go on and win the match, with Daniel Sturridge having a good chance in the opposition’s box.
Despite the England’s attacking it took just six minutes for Uruguay to retake the lead. A long ball from keeper Muslera took an unfortunate flick from captain Steven Gerrard into the path of PFA player of the year, Suarez who made no mistake in blasting the ball past Joe Hart.
One man was ultimately the difference between the two sides, and whilst England can complain that they were unlucky they will know that they did not make the most of their chances.
The result will feel like a step back for an England team that showed promise in their first game against Italy. They will need a miracle set of results to progress to the last 16 of the world cup.
So, England’s world Cup campaign is hanging by a thread but it is not over yet! Costa Rica are the final Group D opponents that England will face next Tuesday, and as per usual England will not say it’s over until there is no way back.
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