South Americans Uruguay comfortably beat Ghana but are knocked out as they finished third in the group behind South Korea on goals scored.
This came after South Korea came from behind to clinch a late 2-1 victory against group winners Portugal.
Two goals from Giorgio de Arrascaeta were not enough for Uruguay to reach the knockouts in a dramatic ending in group H.
De Arrascaeta scored a six-minute brace in the first half, but his country then failed to score another for the rest of the game, and it was because of this that they were pipped to second place by South Korea.
Going into the game, Luiz Suarez’s team knew that they needed to win and hope Portugal either beat or drew with South Korea.
And things were going according to plan when Uruguay opened the scoring in the 26th minute after the winger headed in from a yard out following a Suarez shot which was weakly parried straight into his path.
This occurred mere minutes after Andre Ayew missed a penalty for the Africans as his spot kick was saved by Rochet.
Then, just six minutes later, Uruguay doubled their lead, again through de Arrascaeta, but this goal was a sensational volley which was too powerful for keeper Ati- Zigi.
Uruguay were cruising and just needed to maintain their lead and hope Portugal, strong favourites against the South Koreans, adhered to their side of the task.
But there have already been upsets in Qatar with Belgium and Germany not making it out their respective groups and chaos was to ensue again.
South Korea scored a 91st minute winner to send Uruguay home on goals scored, an agonising way to go out.
South Korea, after three games, had scored four goals and had four points. Uruguay, also had four points, but had only scored two after failing to score in their opening two games. Both nations had a goal difference of 0, but the Asian side go through on goals scored. This will cause Uruguay to rue their missed opportunities that they had in all three of their group games.
This adds to the surprises that have already taken place so far this tournament as Diego Alonso’s side join Belgium and Germany, all one of the favourites to win, on the plane home.