Tabarez praises team spirit

(GSM) – Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez was in buoyant mood after his side’s dramatic quarter-finals triumph over Ghana, praising his team’s “spirit”. Uruguay have progressed into the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 40 years.

Diego Forlan leveled the scoreline after canceling out Sulley Muntari’s long-distance goal. The game was settled on penalties after a dramatic Asamoah Gyan penalty miss in the dying moments of the second extra-time.

Uruguay striker Luis Suarez was sent-off for handing the ball on the goal line but Gyan failed to capitalize before Uruguay won the penalty shoot-out 4-2.

The South Americans, who have won the World Cup twice, will now play Holland in Cape Town on Tuesday in their first semi-finals appearance since 1970.

Tabarez was delighted following his side’s breathtaking win and conceded that his team did not play well enough but showed the winning spirit.

The Uruguay coach said: “I am very emotional. We didn’t play well, but we have gone through.

“The players are very strong and have a strong team spirit.

“We have a little time to prepare for the match against Holland but we are going there to win.”

He added: “We are very excited. These boys deserve everything. Today we didn’t play well. It seems there’s something forcing us on, it must be the strength and unity of these boys.”