DOHA, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Uruguay coach Diego Alonso rejected accusations that his side had been too conservative as they said goodbye to the World Cup despite a 2-0 win over Ghana in their final Group H match.
"We used the wings and our intention was to look for the third goal all of the time. We were looking for a third goal, because we knew South Korea could score and we had chances before they scored their winning goal," insisted Alonso.
"We looked to qualify and could have had a penalty and had four or five chances in the closing minutes," he added.
Although Uruguay looked comfortable at halftime with a 2-0 lead thanks to two goals from Giorgian de Arrascaeta, they were guilty of not pressing for a third goal, despite the 1-1 score in the match between Portugal and South Korea meaning another South Korean goal would see Uruguay out on fewer goals for.
Only when the South Koreans scored a late winner did Uruguay start to attack with real urgency, but they didn't find the third goal they needed in the five remaining minutes and eight of injury time.
"I think we played well in the second half. I liked my team and we were positive, looking forward and without fear," Alonso noted.
"Maybe I would have liked to see today's football earlier, but I have nothing to say against the players. The players gave everything they have and they have done that for the past two years. Unfortunately we can't be in the next stage," he lamented.
Alonso said the reason for Uruguay's elimination was not their 0-0 draw against South Korea in their opening group game, but the second goal they conceded against Portugal in their second match.
"We were knocked out by the penalty given against us when we played Portugal. That penalty, which FIFA later said should not have been given, is what knocked us out," he insisted.
Alonso was also asked if he would continue as Uruguay coach, but said it was "too early."
"We'll let a few days pass and speak about it," he concluded.
