Spain

2 vs 1

Uruguay

Played
June 16, 2013 11:00 PM WAT
Itaipava Arena Pernambuco — Recife, Pernambuco
Referee:‬ Y. Nishimura‎
Attendance:‬ 41705‎

 

20′ Pedro

Luis Suárez 88′

32′ Roberto Soldado

 

Player Ratings: Spain 2-1 Uruguay

La Roja showed their class with a fantastic first half but then took their foot off the gas in the second and had to watch Suárez score a fantastic free kick

By Martin Langer in the Arena Pernambuco, Recife

9

Comments

Spain

3.62

6

3

• 
  5

  5

  Iker Casillas

  After the controversy that surrounded his selection as a starter, the Real Madrid keeper didn't even have to make a save as Uruguay never threatened him.
• 
  10

  0

  Piqué

  Very solid. Was never afraid of going physical against a big striker like Cavani and always came out on top.
• 
  5

  2

  Sergio Ramos

  Almost blameless. Was always sharp to deny space to the dangerous Uruguay attackers and seemed very comfortable with the ball at his feet.
• 
  7

  2

  Arbeloa

  Surprisingly good performance after being really disappointing at Real Madrid this term. Wasn't shy to foray into offensive lands and never seemed threatened.
• 
  10

  0

  Jordi Alba

  Was his usual lively self and was a headache for the Uruguayan defenders. He lacked some sharpness on the final third, however.
• 
  21

  3

  Andrés Iniesta Luján Top of the Match

  Was unbelievably good, pulling the strings in midfield and making some PlayStation dribbles. Lacked only a goal or an assist to cap a fantastic performance.
• 
  12

  4

  Xavi

  Today he made clear that he's still the midfield maestro that everybody loves. Delivered the corner for Pedro's goal. Replaced in the 76th minute by Javi Martinez.
• 
  16

  0

  Cesc Fàbregas

  Barcelona fans will surely wonder why he couldn't put up a display like this when wearing the Barcelona shirt this season. The man of the match, no doubt. Was substituted by Cazorla at the 64th minute and received a standing ovation by the crowd.
• 
  8

  1

  Busquets

  For the first time he played an official match as a lone anchorman, due to Xabi Alonso's withdrawal and he didn't miss a beat.
• 
  10

  2

  Pedro

  Was very lively in the first half and scored the first goal with a long-range shot that was deflected. Lost a step in the second half but was still dangerous.
• 
  11

  2

  Roberto Soldado

  Showed that Del Bosque was right to choose him as the starting number nine. Scored with a clinical finish and was always dangerous.

Substitutions

• 
  9

  2

  Javi Martínez

  Only got some minutes at the end of the game and couldn't leave a mark.
• 
  13

  2

  Santi Cazorla

  Replaced Cesc a little past the hour mark but proved to be a downgrade on the Barcelona midfielder.
• 
  14

  1

  Juan Mata

  Didn't have time to impress.

Uruguay

2.73

3

0

• 
  3

  1

  F. Muslera

  Could do nothing about the goals but didn't seem comfortable during the whole match.
• 
  2

  3

  Diego Lugano Flop of the Match

  It was clear that the Malaga man is not a top-class defender anymore. Always seemed a step behind and was constantly outdone by Soldado
• 
  5

  2

  Maxi Pereira

  The worst of the Uruguayan back-four. Had the task of containing Cesc's forays on the wing and Alba's forward runs and failed miserably. Played Soldado onside for the second goal.
• 
  1

  2

  Martín Cáceres

  Tried to frustrate Pedro with his pace but ended up backheeling more than we would have liked. Couldn't contribute on the other half either.
• 
  0

  4

  Diego Godín

  Marginally better than Lugano but still struggled with the Spanish movement. Managed a couple of last-gasp recoveries to prevent a rout.
• 
  1

  1

  Walter Gargano

  Will have nightmares about Andres Iiesta and Xavi as he only managed to see their shirt numbers during the whole match. Was substituted by Lodeiro at the 75th minute.
• 
  1

  2

  Cristian Rodríguez

  He was supposed to be the link between the midfielders and the attackers but couldn't get a sniff of the ball.
• 
  0

  2

  Diego Pérez

  Ran tirelessly but aimlessly. He was supposed to be the strong player for Uruguay in midfield but was nowhere to be seen.
• 
  3

  5

  G. Ramírez

  Very disappointing debut in major international competition. He was substituted at half-time, and rightly so, as he was completely lost on the pitch.
• 
  7

  4

  Luis Suárez

  Misplaced many passes early on but made amends with a brilliant free kick late on to salvage some pride for his side.
• 
  3

  6

  Edinson Cavani

  Tried to overpower Pique and Ramos with his physical game but the Spanish pair were just too strong for him. Never stopped trying though.

Substitutions

• 
  1

  2

  N. Lodeiro

  Tried to provide a spark to the Celeste midfield but was too little, too late.
• 
  1

  1

  Alvaro Gonzalez

  Entered at the second half to solidify Uruguay's midfield and succeeded, although it's not easy to tell if it was him or that Spain just decided to take the foot of the gas.
• 
  2

  2

  Diego Forlán

  Entered midway through the second half to a roaring ovation but failed to make an impression.