URUGUAY 2-1 SOUTH KOREA

I do like football in the rain - both playing and watching.

This game came to life when the heavens opened.

Football matches in the rain naturally become quicker and more likely to produce a defensive mistake, or a slip in midfield that can change the momentum of a tie, but the downpour made this one suddenly seem more dramatic.

Here's a game that looks better in the second half thunderstorm:



Uruguay probably deserved to go through here, but South Korea are a decent side. I particularly felt for Park Ji-Sung. He carved the Uruguayans open two or three times here, only to be let down by some terrible finishing from his team mates.

Also: South Korea are surprisingly good in the air.

I'm just saying...

After this game I went to a barbecue. It was that kind of evening.

THE STORY SO FAR

Match of the tournament: Slovakia 3-2 Italy

Player of the tournament: Diego Forlan (Uruguay)

Goal of the tournament: Tshabalala (South Africa v Mexico)