Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez broke down into tears before the final whistle at Nizhny Novgorod stadium as a 2-0 defeat to France brought an end to Uruguay’s World Cup challenge.
Goals from Raphael Varane and Antoine Griezmann were the difference between the two sides as France advanced to a World Cup semi-final against the winners of Friday’s quarter-final between Brazil and Belgium - and it was all a bit too much for 23-year-old center back Gimenez.
READ MORE: Superior France vanquish Uruguay’s fighting spirit to storm into World Cup semis
As the game eked towards its conclusion the disappointment that goes with a World Cup exit got the better of the Uruguayan, who was unable to hide his tears from the numerous cameras in the stadium.
The incident brings back memories of Paul Gascoigne's tears at the World Cup in 1990 semi-final between England and West Germany, when he was given a yellow card which would rule him out had England made the final.
READ MORE: ‘South American slayers’ France move to semi-finals at expense of Uruguay
Twitter users were quick to sympathize with the player who was central to Uruguay’s outstanding World Cup campaign.
Jose Gimenez sobbing when the game isn't finished is going to be an image that I won't be forgetting for a while. #URUFRA
— Kunaal Majgaonkar (@kunmajgaonkar) July 6, 2018
José Giménez is allowed to cry. Stop telling men to suppress their emotions.
— Isabella (@Isab3llaCann0n) July 6, 2018
Really really felt for Jose Gimenez, he started crying even before the game ended. #URUFRA 😭😭😭 this football sef. https://t.co/Xi5I5XOwlZ
— Helen Oyibo (@HelenOoyibo) July 6, 2018
José Giménez in tears as #URU nears its #WorldCup elimination.Few players are as passionate about representing their countries as South Americans. The connection is so deep. pic.twitter.com/KVBCjJZMQh
— Peter Galindo (@GalindoPW) July 6, 2018
José Giménez at the World Cup:4 games1 goal86% pass accuracy9 tackles won13 interceptions21 clearances2 shots blocked10 aerials wonFantastic defender. 🇺🇾 pic.twitter.com/uRlTQztLVJ
— FootballTalentScout (@FTalentScout) July 6, 2018