Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said that France were worthy winners of yesterday's World Cup quarterfinal but that his small country had once again shown why it deserves its place alongside the best nations in global soccer.
In charge of Uruguay for the last three World Cups, Tabarez has taken his teams beyond the group stage each time - to the semifinal in 2010, the last 16 in 2014, and the quarters in Russia.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. They were comfortably beaten 2-0, however, at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium by a smooth-looking French team.
"We couldn't control their strengths," Tabarez said, looking sad but calm after his players left the field in tears to an ovation from their travelling fans.
"Today we played against opponents who were better and stronger than us. We have to admit it and congratulate them."
The Europeans won with a Raphael Varane header in the first half and a fumble by goalkeeper Fernando Muslera in the second that let an Antoine Griezmann shot in.
"I told all my players after the match that they can be very proud, they can keep their heads high," said Tabarez. "I'm not going to tell you what I said with my goalkeeper. He has been very important for us. I am not going to wash my hands putting any responsibility on the players."
"Today our dream comes to an end ... (but) I think the world has seen what we achieved, what we want to do, and what sort of country we are. We are a small country you know. It is harder for us than for France or Germany or England.
“Of course when you lose you feel it, for a country like Uruguay, with our history. Of course it's painful, but let's not be too dramatic. We dream on. Things never end. A World Cup is played every four years."
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