Luis Suarez and Darwin Nunez were both in tears on the Uruguay bench after news of a late South Korea goal filtered through the Al Janoub Stadium.
The South American side fulfilled their end of the bargain in the final round of Group H fixtures, beating Ghana in a drama-filled clash.
They were in second place behind Portugal and set to qualify for the round-of-16, until an injury-time winner from Hwanh Hee Chan sent South Korea above them on goals scored.
