The national soccer team put up a valiant effort but failed to make the World Cup quarterfinals with a 2-1 loss to Uruguay Saturday at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez scored both of his team's goals, including the game winner which hit the right post and into the net in the 80th minute. The two-time champion South Americans advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in 40 years.

The game was played amid a heavy downpour.

South Korean substitute Lee Dong-Gook had a golden chance to tie the score in the 86th minute in a one-on-one with the goalie, but his shot was cleared after making it past Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

The Taegeuk Warriors dominated ball possession in the second half, and tied the score when Lee Chung-yong headed the ball home in the 68th minute after a free kick.

Captain Park Ji-sung got a decent shot on goal in the 57th minute off a header from a Cha Du-ri cross but Muslera made the save.

Suarez gave Uruguay the early lead in the eighth minute. Diego Forlan shot the ball and South Korean goalie Jung Sung-ryong dived for the save in an ill-advised play. Suarez was right next to the goal and shot the ball in for the easy score.

Park Chu-young almost gave the Taegeuk Warriors the opening goal in the fifth minute but his free kick hit the left goalpost. He also had a powerful free kick sail above the goal in the 31st minute.

South Korea played for just the second time in the tournament's knockout stage, and put in a combined six goals for its largest tally in its seven World Cup appearances.