Caitlin Dillon
A Giorgian de Arrascaeta double was enough to give Uruguay the win over Ghana - the first a close-range header, the second a sublime volley - but was not enough to keep his side in the competition, as a late South Korea goal sent the team packing as the second Group H spot ultimately came down to goals scored.
André Ayew was awarded an early penalty after Mohammed Kudus was brought down in the box, however, the 32-year-old’s tame effort was comfortably saved by Sergio Rochet.
Luis Suárez had a shot on goal, which was well saved by Ati-Zigi but de Arrascaeta quickly converted the rebound. Minutes later, the same combination struck again with the Flamengo forward’s volley doubling Uruguay’s lead.
Two controversial second-half VAR decisions that went against the South American side may have proven costly, as the side were reduced to frantically scrambling for place in the last-16. But it was not to be, and as the final whistle blew, both Uruguay and Ghana knew they would be headed for the airport.
Group H end the group stages with Portugal at the top on six points, as South Korea sit in second place on four points. Uruguay and Ghana bow out of the competition, sitting in third place with four points, and fourth place with three points, respectively.
Group G’s matches kick off at 10pm Doha time, with Serbia taking on Switzerland at Stadium 974, and Cameroon facing Brazil at Lusail Stadium.