Facundo Pellistri produced a lively performance from the bench in Uruguay’s 2-0 defeat to Portugal.
The Manchester United youngster created two chances in 30 minutes, including a pass for Maxi Gomez which saw the striker hit the post, with his team trailing 1-0.
Pellistri was picked out for praise by ITV commentator Ally McCoist, while manager Diego Alonso also highlighted the positive impact the winger had on the game.
Uruguay could not find a way through and Portugal doubled their lead with a controversial late penalty, won and scored by Bruno Fernandes.
Pellistri frustrated with ‘misleading result’
Uruguay winger Pellistri was frustrated to finish on the losing side, placing them at risk of elimination.
He told ESPN Uruguay he felt the result was unjustified, with his side deserving to get at least a draw.
Pellistri said: “The tournament is very hard but the result was a bit misleading because it seems that we were totally overcom.
“However, in the second half we had situations in a row like Maxi (Gómez) in the post, Luis (Suárez) and Cocho (De Arrascaeta), but when you do not score it costs you.
“We improved in the second half, but the result leaves us sad about how the game went.”
Uruguay drew their opening game against South Korea and require a victory against Ghana in their final game to reach the knockout stage.
This will be a game dominated by the narrative of a grudge match due to Luis Suarez’s 2010 handball – but Pellistri could step up and steal the headlines.
His tricky performance against Portugal showed why his manager rates him highly, and won’t have done his club future any harm at all.
There will be clubs queuing up to take him off United’s hands, while the Red Devils may be reluctant to let him leave on a permanent basis.
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