If Zidane is magic, I must be mad, says Abreu

Uruguay penalty hero Sebastian Abreu claimed he should be lauded like Zinedine Zidane following his cheeky spot-kick against Ghana that propelled his country into the World Cup semi-finals.

The only remaining South American representatives will face Holland in Cape Town in the last four tomorrow having beaten Ghana 4-2 on penalties in a quarter-final shoot-out on Friday.

Abreu converted the final kick with a nerveless dink down the middle of the goal as Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson dived out of the way.

It was a goal reminiscent of France legend Zidane's own cool penalty in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy.

But when asked if he was mad to have tried such a trick, Abreu retorted: "What adjective did you use to describe Zidane's penalty? Crazy? No, magic. So why not Abreu?"

And he added: "It was a decision I had to make, while trying to do my best and ensuring the ball went in."

However, Abreu's national team captain Diego Lugano was not so sure it wasn't madness.

"We're used to his crazy things, it's not the first time he's done that," he said.

"It's quality but he's as mad as he is intelligent. He studies opponents and goalkeepers. He's brave and smart."