Pellistri’s first World Cup memory is iconic
Manchester United’s Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri says the most prominent past memory he has of the World Cup came in 2010, in South Africa.
The 20-year-old – who made his World Cup debut for La Celeste in Qatar this winter against South Korea - would have been just eight at the time, but he says that it was an “iconic” tournament for Uruguay.
Pellistri earmarked one match, in particular, which stood out for him, and it just so happens his nation are set to face the familiar foe this afternoon [Friday, 15:00 GMT].
Pellistri: The World Cup is special
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“I remember the most iconic one for Uruguay [and] that match against Ghana in 2010,” said the United youngster, in an exclusive interview with club media.
“I remember that World Cup; it was amazing for the country.
“We had very good players, it was unbelievable. We almost reached the final and we were very close to winning that World Cup.”
Of course, Uruguay’s match against Ghana, in the 2010 quarter-finals, has cemented a place in World Cup folklore due to the incredible scenes at the end.
Luis Suarez’s handball on the line in the dying minutes earned him a red card but denied the African side a place in the semi-finals, and the South Americans eventually defeated them on penalties. Seeing Uruguay book their place in the last four of the historic tournament is a memory that Pellistri still holds today.
“That match against Ghana, that was incredible,” he said. “I remember being at home with my family, seeing the match and it was incredible.
“I think also because Uruguay had a very good team [in that tournament]. Not only quality players but also good people and I think that was the key to [us going far] in the tournament.”
THE REMATCH WE'VE WAITED ALL WORLD CUP FOR 👀🔥
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 2, 2022
GHANA VS. URUGUAY 🍿 pic.twitter.com/tSsSLGq0pL
Next up for Facundo at Qatar 2022 is a final group-stage match against those very opponents, Ghana, to determine who progresses to the last 16.
The match features the pressure of Uruguay needing to win to have any chance of making it to the round of 16.
Our young Red will hope for similar celebrations to 2010 come the final whistle, after what is one of the most anticipated World Cup grudge matches in recent memory.