MONTEVIDEO, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Uruguayan press on Wednesday described the country's qualification for the knockout stage of the 2018 World Cup in Russia as "agonizing", after a 1-0 win against Saudi Arabia.
Wednesday's win, thanks to a single goal from Barcelona's Luis Suarez, ensured the South American team qualifying alongside their Russian hosts with a game still to be played. The renowned goalscorer struck in the 23rd minute.
The local press said the national team's "Garra Charrua", the term for the Uruguay's gritty, fighting spirit, was "in doubt" following two tame wins against poor opposition. Uruguay also won their first game 1-0, against the now eliminated Morocco.
The Uruguayan daily newspaper, El Observador, said "la Celeste (The Sky Blue) did not play well, but won its second game and ensured classification."
El Pais said that "without playing well Uruguay beat Saudi Arabia to qualify for the last 16", adding "the only goal of the game came from Luis Suarez after a terrible goalkeeping error."
Tenfield, a website specializing in sports said "Celeste won although they didn't have a good game. With this second valuable win, Uruguay advances."
Both Uruguay and Russia have qualified for the knockout stage and will meet Monday for the last game of Group A.
The game's result will decide who finishes in first place in the group.
