Final Scoreline for Match 22:
URUGUAY - 2
(Luis Suarez 39', 85')
ENGLAND - 1
(Rooney 75')
What a fantastic match!! Easily one of the best two matches the WC 2014 has provided so far, the other being the Netherlands vs Australia match last night.
And what a difference a world-class player can make for a team. After their shock defeat in the opener to Costa Rica, Uruguay desperately needed some encouragement and motivation - and nothing better than to get their best player off the injured bench and playing!! And what a fruitful decision it turned out to be.
It was a game full of chances, passes and close shaves, really. England came close to scoring twice in the first half itself, when Rooney's shots went very close over the bars (free kick) and thumped into the bars! Equally, Rodriguez's close ranger went inches over the bar, barely missing out! And finally in the 39th minute, Uruguay and Luis Suarez celebrated. Cavani's cross found him in perfect position to head the ball in. 1-0 Uruguay!
England pressed back really well during the second half, and were denied at least 3 times by fantastic saves by Muslera, Uruguay's keeper. But England and Rooney kept on and on, and finally were rewarded in the 75th minute. Rooney finally scored in the WC Finals for England, and what a crucial goal it was. 1-1.
As if that spurred Uruguay ahead, Suarez notched up a gear above and thumped in a second goal 10 minutes later. Uruguay were up 2-1, and although England tried their best in the final 10 minutes (including added time), they were simply not good enough to get the 2nd equaliser.
3 crucial points for Uruguay, none for England. All is not lost for them though - if Costa Rica defeats Italy, they still have a chance. If it turns out to be otherwise, England are out of WC 2014.