Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterUruguays 2010 World Cup campaign was something of a rollercoaster ride for La Celeste.After missing out on the 2006 edition, the team topped a group featuring France, Mexico and hosts South Africa on their way to the semi-finals, where they were eventually eliminated by the Netherlands.This would prove to be Uruguays best World Cup campaign since their 1970 fourth-place finish, but the two-time winners needed to dig deep to even make it to the tournament.Forlan on his memorable World Cup qualfying strikeWith their qualification hopes hanging in the balance, the team travelled to Quito to face Ecuador in their penultimate qualifying match, knowing that defeat could end their hopes of making the World Cup.The challenge of playing at 2,800 metres above sea-level is a well-documented one, but this particular match would go on to be one of striker Diego Forlans most memorable performances. You may like Ranked! The 15 greatest World Cup goals youve probably forgotten Asamoah Gyan exclusive: 'I dont hate Luis Suarez for his handball. Id have done the same thing' How many times have Uruguay won the World Cup? It was the penultimate matchday of qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, former Manchester United striker Forlan tells FourFourTwo.We were in Quito, a city where its always difficult to play because of the altitude. In the second half, Antonio Valencia scored to make it 10.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.We were against the ropes, because a defeat would have left us with no chance of reaching South Africa.A goal behind and in tough conditions, Uruguay needed someone to step up.Straight after that blow, we put together a good move, I assisted Luis Suarez and we made it 11, he continues. But we needed to win.In the very last attack, Ecuadors goalkeeper fouled Edinson Cavani inside the box. I was the most experienced one, so I decided to take the ball and assume responsibility.Even though it was a critical moment, I dont remember feeling particularly nervous. I struck it perfectly into the top corner.That win took us to the play-offs against Costa Rica and we ultimately reached the World Cup.TOPICSUruguayWorld CupJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromDani Gil
