Immediately after their heartbreaking elimination from the 2022 World Cup, a handful of Uruguay players followed the match’s officiating crew off the pitch and into the tunnel.
Despite winning Friday’s final group game against Ghana 2–0, Uruguay was bounced from the World Cup due to a heroic goal in the 91st minute of the other Group H game by South Korea’s Hwang Hee-Chan. The stunner gave South Korea a victory over group-winner Portugal and more importantly, the goals scored advantage over Uruguay. With both sides level at four points, South Korea advanced to the next round while Uruguay was sent packing.
After the final whistle sounded, frustration abounded on the Uruguay bench. A group of about five players, including captain Edinson Cavani and at least three substitutes, made their way straight for the game’s referees.
After a verbal exchange on the field, that resulted in at least one yellow card for Uruguay, the players refused to yield and continued to follow the officials toward the tunnel. Many were seen yelling in the faces of the officiating crew with some going as far as to grab the arm of head referee, Daniel Siebert.
Not all of Uruguay’s players were involved in the postgame fracas. Others sat in stunned silence on the field after realizing the reality of their elimination.
Earlier in Friday’s match, Uruguay positioned itself well to advance out of Group H, thanks in large part to a double from Giorgian de Arrascaeta. At the same time, South Korea was tied with Portugal, 1–1, a result which at the time would have sent Uruguay through to the knockout round.
However, Uruguay manager Diego Alonso subbed out many of the team’s top attackers in the second half including Luis Suárez, Darwin Núñez and de Arrascaeta. The decision resulted in Uruguay struggling to find the net in the second half, especially after Hwang’s miraculous goal for South Korea.
With Uruguay headed home, South Korea will advance to take on the winner of Group G–either Brazil or Switzerland–in the round of 16.
