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Uruguay’s run at the 2010 World Cup was very much a rollercoaster for La Celeste.

After failing to qualify for the 2006 tournament, Uruguay went on to finish top of a group containing France, Mexico and hosts South Africa before reaching the semi-finals, where the Netherlands eventually knocked them out.

It remains Uruguay’s finest World Cup showing since they finished fourth in 1970, but the two-time champions had to battle hard just to secure their place at the tournament.

With their qualification bid in the balance, Uruguay travelled to Quito for their penultimate qualifier against Ecuador, fully aware that a defeat could bring their World Cup hopes to an end.

The difficulty of playing at 2,800 metres above sea level is well known, and this match became one of striker Diego Forlan’s most unforgettable displays.

“It was the penultimate matchday of qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup,” former Manchester United striker Forlan told FourFourTwo.

“We were in Quito, a city where it is always difficult to play because of the altitude. In the second half, Antonio Valencia scored to make it 1–0.

“We were on the ropes, because a defeat would have left us with no chance of reaching South Africa.”

A goal down and dealing with harsh conditions, Uruguay needed somebody to rise to the occasion.

“Straight after that setback, we put together a good move, I set up Luis Suarez and we made it 1–1,” he continued. “But we needed to win.

“In the very last attack, Ecuador’s goalkeeper fouled Edinson Cavani inside the box. I was the most experienced one, so I took the ball and accepted the responsibility.

“Even though it was a crucial moment, I do not remember feeling especially nervous. I hit it perfectly into the top corner.

“That victory sent us into the play-offs against Costa Rica and we eventually made it to the World Cup.”