Tabarez hails Uruguay Phenomenon

| Friday June 18, 2010 00:00

The result was Uruguay's first World Cup victory since they beat South Korea in a group game at Italia 90.Tabarez said: 'I told my players we had to write the history during the match.The men on this team are a phenomenon in our country today. Nothing has been decided in our group but we have taken a very big step forward.'

The South American side moved top of Group A on four points, while group rivals France faced Mexico yesterday.Uruguay drew their opening group game with France 0-0 and will now face Mexico on 22 June with a good chance of progressing top of the last 16.

South Africa were unable to pin down Uruguay striker Diego Forlan who was superb as he crashed in a 25-yard strike before converting a penalty and having a hand in the third goal in the Group A win.

Forlan hailed Uruguay's 'solid' team display but he refused to take the plaudits himself.

'Obviously, as a forward I like to score goals, but the important thing is to win,' stated Forlan.

'The team is good. We also played well against France. We're very solid.'

Forlan, 31, signed for Manchester United from Independiente for £7.5m in 2002 but in his two years at Old Trafford he struggled to find the net on a regular basis.

However, the striker has been prolific since leaving England for Spanish side Villarreal and then moving on to Atletico Madrid. (BBC)