And the striker was denied again deep into injury-time when he looked certain to score from Bale's low cross, but could only divert his finish against the legs of James, condemning a game low on real quality to 30 minutes of extra-time.
The former Manchester United striker was the difference - dropping deep to collect possession and influence his side's attacks and providing the moment of individual brilliance that gave Uruguay the lead midway through the first half via a 30-yard dipping shot that found the net via a glancing deflection off Aaron Mokoena.