When Uruguay needed a hero in the thin Andean air of Quito, Diego Forlan stepped forward — nerves nowhere to be found — and drilled a penalty into the top corner that ultimately booked La Celeste's place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The journey to South Africa was far from smooth. Uruguay had missed the 2006 tournament altogether, and their qualification campaign for 2010 was teetering on the edge heading into the penultimate round of matches. A trip to Ecuador's capital, perched at 2,800 metres above sea level, represented one of South American football's most daunting tests.

On the ropes in Quito

"It was the penultimate matchday of qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup," Forlan told FourFourTwo. "We were in Quito, a city where it's always difficult to play because of the altitude. In the second half, Antonio Valencia scored to make it 1-0."

The situation was desperate. "We were against the ropes," Forlan recalled, "because a defeat would have left us with no chance of reaching South Africa."

Uruguay refused to fold. Forlan set up Luis Suarez to level at 1-1, but a draw would not be enough — La Celeste needed all three points.

The moment of truth

Then, deep into the match, Ecuador's goalkeeper brought down Edinson Cavani inside the penalty area. The responsibility fell to the most experienced man on the pitch.

"I decided to take the ball and assume responsibility," Forlan said. "Even though it was a critical moment, I don't remember feeling particularly nervous. I struck it perfectly into the top corner."

That 2-1 victory sent Uruguay into a play-off against Costa Rica, which they navigated successfully to earn their World Cup berth.

A campaign that lit up South Africa

Once in South Africa, Uruguay thrived. They topped a group that included France, Mexico, and hosts South Africa, before marching all the way to the semi-finals, where the Netherlands ended their run. Fourth place — their best finish since 1970 — was the reward for a squad that had been to the brink of elimination just months earlier, saved by one composed penalty from Diego Forlan in the high altitude of Quito.