FIFA World Cup: Uruguay 2, England 1

What knee surgery?

Luis Suarez put in a heroic performance against England on Thursday, scoring both goals in a dramatic 2-1 victory at the FIFA World Cup.

Returning from knee surgery he underwent just before the World Cup, Suarez looked none the worse for wear, despite not playing in a match for five weeks.

His performance overshadowed a strong effort from England’s Wayne Rooney, who scored his first goal at a World Cup to tie the game before Suarez’s thrilling winner six minutes from time.

Key play

With the match tied and his team reeling, Suarez came through to send his country into a frenzy in the 84th minute.

The Uruguay star pounced on a miscue from England captain Steven Gerrard, who headed the ball backwards towards the Three Lions goal. Suarez fired a shot into the top corner past a diving Joe Hart and gave La Celeste the victory.

Man of the match

Luis Suarez. Two goals in his first match after knee surgery, including the winner at the death. Was dangerous every time he had the ball.  

It was a good day for…

Physiotherapists. The Uruguay medical staff deserves a raise for getting Suarez back to fitness so quickly after his knee surgery.

It was a bad day for…

England defenders. Centrebacks Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka reminded everyone where England’s major weakness lies. Jagielka was victimized on Suarez’s first goal, Cahill on the second, and both were extremely weak the whole match.

Fast fact

Uruguay has won every World Cup match that has featured a Suarez goal: 2-1 against England in 2014, 1-0 against Mexico in 2010, and 2-1 against South Korea, also in 2010.

What does this mean?

After a disastrous loss to Costa Rica, Uruguay’s victory against England is huge. La Celeste is right back in the mix to advance to the knockout round, and a victory will see the side through no matter what, and could even win Uruguay the group. La Celeste face Italy next, on Tuesday (CBC TV, cbc.ca/fifaworldcup, Noon ET), its stiffest test yet.  

For England, the 2014 World Cup is all but over. It would take a miraculous series of results to see the Three Lions through, but more than likely the Three Lions have one last match against a feisty Costa Rica on Tuesday (CBC TV, cbc.ca/fifaworldcup, Noon ET) before a flight back to the isles. 

They said it

"We won because they were fighting. It was not to do with the training, but the persistence and will of my players. Maybe we don’t play very attractive football but we have players who give everything on the field." — Oscar Tabarez, Uruguay coach

"I think we controlled Suarez very well in general play. We kept him quiet for long periods. He was voted the player of the year [in England] by everyone. Today he was coming back from injury, so he was quieter than usual. But he got two chances and being the top player that he is, he put them away." — Roy Hodgson, England coach