While the result was the same as their clash at the same stage 40 years ago in Mexico, it still represented their best performance at the tournament since their 1970 vintage.

For defender Jorge Fucile, their fourth placing was richly deserved and he predicted better things to come. “I am proud of what we have achieved here, we were up to the challenge, among the best four teams,” said the 25-year-old Porto fullback.

“However, as we saw against the Germans, the difference between us and the historically successful teams is that they have the ice-cold temperament and this little bit extra that edges them past sides like us.

“For Uruguay, however, this is the beginning of a new cycle, Uruguay is where it should be,” added Fucile. Hardman midfielder Diego Perez said that there was still room for improvement and two successive 3-2 defeats (the Dutch beat them 3-2 in the semifinals) left a bitter taste in the mouth.

“It is a strange feeling: Uruguay played well, we scored twice, like against the Netherlands, and we still lost,” said the 30-year-old.

“However, Uruguay displayed in these two matches that it has made progress, that it can keep the ball and use it, but there are still a few things missing to make us a complete side.”