IT was stalemate but nothing flat about the game between two sides that gave their all for the 90-plus minutes.

No goals is always a bit of an anti-climax, but put that down to some brilliant, committed defending; after all, why must the strikers always get the limelight?

Chances were few but skill was abundant in the first stanza.

Federico Valverde took long ball down well, and his snap shot went over keeper Kim Seung-gyu but also just over the bar.

At the other end, Hwang Hwang Ui-jo had a gilt-edged chance from close but leaned backwards and scooped it over the top and into the crowd.

Luis Suarez, who had hardly touched the ball, thought his moment had come in the 42^nd minute but the ball was nicked off his feet for a corner, from which Diego Godin rose majestically only to see his power header bounce off the inside of the post.

A thoroughly enjoyable, fast-flowing first half flew by, hinting at goals to come.

The Koreans again started the sharper and Son Heung-min failed to shoot when free inside the area. He who hesitates, as they say.

Son, like Suarez, lacked sharpness and he had no luck when Darwin Nunes streaked down the left flank before trying to lay it on a plate for Suarez, only for the keeper’s fingers to spoil the cross.

Edinson Cavani came on for Suarez and made a quick impact, feeding Nunez who shot just wide

Valverdi whacked a long shot against the post and Son, his one low and wide at the other end.

The game had everything except a goal; perfect for the neutrals but a shame for the combatants – especially Uruguay.