Diego Forlan ignored the pain for as long as he could, carrying Uruguay on his shoulders and giving the little nation hope of a most improbable World Cup final berth.
That made the disappointment all the more bitter.
The score was 1-1 in the second half and the South American nation was making it a tight game against the Netherlands. Forlan was leading by example as the stand-in captain, tying the match with a 25-yard shot, spreading passes from deep and threatening in the box.
Then, the Dutch scored twice late and Forlan's thigh became so unbearable he couldn't continue. Despite a fantastic tournament for himself and his country, Forlan was disappointed.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
