Tabarez says Uruguay players ‘can keep their heads high’ despite setback
Uruguay’s never-say-die players fell to the ground in tears after losing their World Cup quarter-final to France, but they depart with heads high after yet again shaking it up among the world’s best.
Despite a tiny population of 3.3 million people, Uruguay got out of the group stages in the last three tournaments, reaching the semi-final in 2010 and the last eight this time.
In Russia, they won three group games without conceding a goal, before eliminating Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal 2-1 in the last 16. They were well-beaten 2-0 by France on Friday, but will always wonder what might have been if influential striker Edinson Cavani had not been out with injury.
The absence of Cavani, who scored two wonder goals against Portugal and draws defenders away from strike partner Luis Suarez, distorted Uruguay’s game plan and gave France an easy evening except for one superb save by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
The Europeans won with a Raphael Varane header in the first half and a fumble by goalkeeper Fernando Muslera in the second that let a soft Antoine Griezmann shot go in.
Yet the team walked off to resounding chants of “Uruguay!” from Russian fans, an ovation from their own supporters, hugs from the French, and inspiring words by their manager. “We dream on. Things never end. A World Cup comes around every four years,” said Oscar Tabarez, noting Uruguay had surpassed great football nations such as Germany and Argentina in reaching the last eight.
“Today our dream comes to an end ... [but] I think the world has seen what we achieved, what we want to do, and what sort of country we are. We are a small country you know. It is harder for us than for France or Germany or England.
“There are many countries that belong to the football elite that left this tournament before we did ... Germany left during the group phase, Argentina left earlier too.”
Tabarez, in charge for 12 years and known lovingly as “El Maestro” (The Teacher) at home, added: “We couldn’t control their strengths.
“Today we played against opponents who were better and stronger than us. We have to admit it and congratulate them. I told all my players after the match that they can be very proud, they can keep their heads high.
“I’m not going to tell you what I said with my goalkeeper. He has been a very important pillar for us. I am not going to wash my hands putting any responsibility on the players.”
There was huge sympathy from Uruguayans towards defender Jose Gimenez, whom cameras caught crying minutes before the end as he realised it was too late to turn the game around.
Inevitably, it was Griezmann – a fan of Uruguay and friend of Diego Godin and Gimenez from Atletico Madrid – who sealed France’s victory.
Not only did he supply the cross for France’s first goal, but it was his shot that squirmed through Muslera’s hands for the second.
Out of respect, he did not celebrate. “Uruguay are a tough team, who remind me of my club side Atletico [Madrid] ... They are a pleasure to watch,” he said.
Griezmann has promised to visit Uruguay for the first time in December. Despite putting them out, Uruguayans are sure to give their French amigo a warm welcome.