The difference between success and failure in football is often measured in inches, and so it proved for Uruguay and star striker Diego Forlan last night.
With the last kick of the game in the third-place playoff against Germany, Forlan’s free kick cannoned off the crossbar and Germany held on for a 3-2 win.
Inches lower and Uruguay would have taken Germany to extra time and Forlan would have become outright leading scorer at the tournament.
It wasn’t only Forlan’s five goals that were inspirational, he led his team with dignity – never falling to the whining ways or dives of many of today’s superstars.
Forlan and the Uruguayan squad should be proud of their African endeavours.