Great Britain have made it to the quarterfinals at the Olympics after dispatching Uruguay at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff. Uruguay, whom many had tipped for a medal thanks to their overage stars, suffered a shock loss to Senegal in their second match and needed a win to be sure of getting out of the group. They didn't play like it, however.
Stuart Pearce's side were comfortably the better side, and they managed to convert their dominance into a goal just before the stroke of halftime. Joe Allen got things started, weaving brilliantly through the right side of the Uruguay defence before crossing for Chelsea's Danny Sturridge, who was able to finish cleanly from close range.
Uruguay's ability to threaten Jack Butland's goal was somewhat limited thanks to the complete lack of service to Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez, but they weren't totally helpless -- Suarez forced several good saves* and Gaston Ramirez nearly leveled in the 94th minute with a long-range shot that cannoned off the post. It wasn't enough, however, and they go home after a highly disappointing performance.
*And pulled off a comedy handball.
The hosts, meanwhile, advance to the quarterfinals. They'll play South Korea on Saturday.
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