Suarez crowns Uruguay group winners but beaten Mexico still reach last 16
MEXICO (0) VS URUGUAY (1)
URUGUAY will meet South Korea in the last 16 after a header from striker Luis Suarez earned them victory over Mexico and top spot in Group A.
Ajax hot-shot Suarez struck just before half-time when he nodded home Edison Cavani’s superb floated cross at the back post.
Defeat was not enough to end Mexico’s campaign, though, and their second-place finish means they will face Argentina in the last 16.
A subdued contest was expected, with both teams going into the fixture knowing a draw would see them qualify together, but chances were anything but scarce.
Uruguay looked lively early on, Suarez and then Alvaro Pereira both firing just wide, before Mexico went even closer, Andres Guardado smashing the bar from 30 yards.
Suarez ensured Uruguay went in ahead and they almost added to their lead after the break, Diego Lugano’s header forcing an athletic save from Oscar Perez.
Mexico ought to have equalised just after the hour when substitute Pablo Barrera crossed and Francisco Rodriguez could not keep his close-range header on target.