0' Match day 2 in Group D, and both teams here looking to avoid the early trip home. An absolute must win for both teams. Luis Suarez suiting up for Uruguay, and we'll see how fit he is coming in off the knee surgery. Captain Diego Lugano out on an injury though, and we'll see what effect that has on the Uruguayan defense. Forlan on the bench to start, and Maxi Pereira out on suspension. England with the same starting XI as their match against Italy. England played the stronger opening match, and looked very strong in attack. Uruguay not lacking attacking ability themselves, and this should prove to be another absolutely top class match.
9' A yellow for a hand ball for Godin at the edge of the box for a hand ball on a pass that seemed destined for Rooney in on net. Rooney nearly converts the free kick and its just inches away from the top corner. England coming out very strong, forcing Uruguay to defend early. Uruguay with a few chances on the counter-attack, but England able to cope thus far.
15' Rodriguez finds himself in space with the ball in the box for Uruguay after a stray deflection off a cross, and he has time to set up his shot and shoots a blast that goes inches above the cross bar. What an opportunity that, and what a shot. With that pace and from that distance, any shot on goal would have beaten Joe Hart.
30' A somewhat controversial call in the Godin might have deserved a second yellow for a hard foul that brought an English attack to a full stop. The referee choosing only to award the free kick. Even play thus far in the half, with each side moving the ball well into their attacking halves. Some excellent runs by the Uruguayans in the last few minutes. But its nearly an opening goal for Rooney on a header from a Gerrard free kick. Rooney is in on the far post and from point blank range manages to hit the cross bar. Thats unlucky for Rooney and England.
39' Luis Suarez strikes first for Uruguay, and all questions about his fitness have just vanished. His first game back from surgery and he scores a beautiful header after finding himself in space and at the end of a short cross from Cavani, and Uruguay would do well to keep the pressure on England. Nearly an equaliser for Sturridge a minute later, but Muslera covers his near post well.
52' Uruguay nearly scoring a second a few times. A tricky corner from Suarez nearly goes in on its own, and then a beautiful through pass sees Cavani in on goal and he sends it around Joe Hart but also around the goal. Uruguay coming out strong in this half, having England on their heels, and unfortunate to have not secured a two goal cushion.
54' Nearly the equaliser from Rooney, again he finds himself with the ball right in front of goal, and Muslera makes a phenomenal save, although Rooney shooting the ball right at him. Anywhere else and thats a sure goal. Rooney has to be wondering if the curse is real, still searching for his first goal in 10 World cup matches.
72' England pressing forward but Uruguay killing time each opportunity they get. There might be a minor controversy in the referee being slightly more generous in calling fouls against the English, but Uruguay defending well here. Still time for England, but they're finding themselves bunched up in the attack.
75' England finally equalise. Its Rooney who finally scores on the world's biggest stage. Its a beautiful run on the counter attack and a cross through the legs of an Uruguayan defender and Rooney sneaks in on the back post. All level here, and the goal breathes life back into the English fans and players. A draw not much help to either team, particularly the Uruguayans who next face Italy, and I expect both teams will seek to steal all three points in what time is left.
85' And Suarez saving Uruguay again! What a sensational goal for a man who many thought might not even be fit to play. Its a long drop kick from Muslera thats headed on by accidentally by Gerrard and lands in front of Suarez who is in on goal unmarked. Absolutely phenomenal, and England forced to dig deep again.
Final' Luis Suarez a hero once more, and this time for all the right reasons. England not out, but they'll need a lot of help from Italy to win out and will have to take care of Costa Rica themselves. Two critical mistakes on defense that Suarez makes them pay. The Uruguayans should have scored more though, and they were exposed from time to time on defense. England not without chances themselves, and will need to find the back of the net. Perhaps too late for them though as they sit without points after two matches. A brilliant and exciting back and forth game.
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