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Rediff.com  » Sports » World Cup Sid gets upclose with Uruguay, S Korea

World Cup Sid gets upclose with Uruguay, S Korea

Last updated on: June 27, 2010 18:51 IST

Image: The Uruguayan team bus leaves the hotel

Siddhanta Pinto in South Africa

World Cup Sid - Rediff.com's man in South Africa, Siddhanta Pinto - shares his experience of watching the first Round of 16 match between Uruguay and South Korea.

Summerstrand in Port Elizabeth, a beautiful beautiful drive past the pristine ocean got us to the Marine Hotel.

And surprise, surprise! I see the Uruguay team bus on their way to their round of 16 knock-out game. Notice the security man upset with me as I jump right in front of their motorcade to take some pictures.

Uruguay stars spotted

Image: Uruguayan players in the team bus
Catch a glimpse of some of their stars, but sadly not my main man Forlan.

My destination in the distance

Image: On way to the Nelson Mandela Stadium

I find my way to the stadium from the top of Sydenham, 2 hours in advance, and already, there are lots who have beaten me to it.

Video: World Cup Sid arrives in Soccer Country

Uruguayan fans arrive in their numbers

Image: Uruguayan fans cheer and wave their flags
The Uruguayan fans arrive early and take their positions. Extremely friendly, they make a huge racket.

Uruguay fans wear their passion

Image: Uruguayan fans at the match

Uruguay fans cheer and scream before the match.

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First look of the Kuduzela

Image: A fan plays a Kuduzela

Nope not a vuvuzela, it's a Kuduzela!

Video: World Cup Sid arrives in Soccer Country

Forlan brings cheers to the crowd

Image: Diego Forlan warms up before the match

Uruguay's star player Diego Forlan emerges for warm up to rapturous applause.

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Indian faces in the crowd

Image: Indian fans at the match

Football crazy Bangla brothers.

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Huge support for South Korea

Image: South Korean fans wave their flags

Say hello to the South Korea fans.

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Players show respect

Image: Players stand in respect as the national anthems are played out

Time for the National Anthems.

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South Korea get early advantage

Image: A South Korean player takes a free-kick

A brilliant South Korean free-kick lined up in the first few minutes...

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The free-kick: A missed opportunity

Image: The set-piece effort manages to find the post

And hits the post!

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Forlan in full flow

Image: Diego Forlan tries to cuts past a South Korean defender

Immediately at the other end, the brilliant Diego Forlan with a superb piece of skill, gets the better of his defender and sends in a low cross.

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Suarez puts Uruguay ahead

Image: Luis Suarez (extreme left) celebrates with team-mates after scoring

And the opportunistic Luis Suarez scores.

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Forlan magic at play

Image: Forlan gets hoisted for setting up the first goal

All players do not rush to Suarez, some hoist Forlan, for it is clearly a goal for his hard work.

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Rain looms at the Nelson Mandela Bay

Image: A thick cloud cover over the stadium
Half time at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium, and the clouds are threatening.

Noisy Vuvuzelas

Image: Fans cheer their teams by blowing the vuvuzelas

Vuvuzelas resound. Non-Stop!

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Rain time in Port Elizabeth

Image: Light showers start during the match

And then the heavens open up. It is freezing in the light blowing rain. People from the lower uncovered levels (such as myself) rush up towards shelter in a surprisingly not-so-packed stadium.

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Uruguay look to double their lead

Image: Suarez (right) and Forlan foray into South Korea's half
Forlan and Suarez press on.

Stunning Suarez stakes his claim

Image: Suarez in action

And then some Suarez magic begins. Notice the positioning of players, and how he curls his foot around the Jabulani.

Jung Sung-ryong beaten all ends up

Image: South Korean Jung Sung-ryong dives in vain

Sorry Goalie, this is just too beautiful a shot.

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South Korean keeper crestfallen

Image: Hapless Sung-ryong wears a dejected look

Dejection...

Suarez goes into a tizzy

Image: Suarez runs towards the corner flag to celebrate

And unbridled joy.

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Fate sealed: The scoreboard says it all

Image: The final score is flashed on the electronic scoreboard

And this is how the first knock-out match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup ended.

Congratulations to a deserving Uruguay team!

Video: World Cup Sid arrives in Soccer Country