Uruguay talisman Diego Forlan played their semi-final against the Netherlands with an injury that forced coach Oscar Tabarez to substitute him before the end.
Forlan, who on Tuesday ruled out a return to the English Premier League, quashing the hopes of Spurs boss Harry Redknapp, was carrying the knock from the start.
"From the first minute Forlan had a problem. He was injured and could not continue," Tabarez said of the Atletico Madrid striker.
"He had a pain and during the match we took a decision to try another man who was fresh."
Forlan scored a superb goal during the 3-2 loss, striking the ball from 35 yards past Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.
Koreans step up search for new coach
The Korea Football Association started their search for Huh Jung-moo's successor as national team coach.
Huh confirmed last week that he was stepping down from the position after leading South Korea to the second round at the World Cup.
That success has created a mood among technical committee members that, if possible, another domestic coach is desirable.
"We won't categorise our candidates and exclude candidates from abroad, but we have many excellent managers in Korea," said Lee Hoi-taek, the chairman of the committee.
Huh's assistant Jung Hae-sung is one of the favourites to take the reins.
Barca 'won't pay €50m' for Fabregas
New Barcelona president Sandro Rosell maintains the club will not be bullied into paying over the odds to prise Cesc Fabregas away from Arsenal.
The Catalan club have made Fabregas their no.1 target after signing David Villa earlier this summer and Rosell is still hopeful the midfielder will become his first capture as Barca president.
Catalans are renowned for their frugality and shrewd business sense, however, and Rosell says Barca will not be held to ransom by Arsenal.
"We will never pay 50 or 60 million (euros) for Cesc," the Barca president said.
Barcelona have already had a bid of €35m turned down by Arsenal.
Leonardo would consider Brazil job
Former Milan coach Leonardo would discuss any offer to become Brazil's new boss but insists no talks have taken place so far.
The 40-year-old has held only one managerial position, quitting Milan at the end of the last Serie A season after just a year in charge.
"Honestly I don't know anything," he told Sky Italia.
"I have never spoken with the federation, the only thing I know is that which comes out in the press.
"I don't know if you can say no or yes. I'm not looking for a job, I'm looking for a dream. I have decided to make myself available to everyone."
Heart beats money for Miccoli
Palermo striker Fabrizio Miccoli does not regret turning down an offer from Birmingham this summer.
The Italian forward is under contract with the Serie A side for two more seasons and said: "I showed everyone the contract that Birmingham offered me.
"Two and a half million euros net per season for the next four years, double what I earn at Palermo. But I chose with my heart."
Despite snubbing the Premier League outfit, the 31-year-old has not ruled out ending his career overseas.
"Would I at 36 go to Dubai like Cannavaro?" said Miccoli.
"I would, but not for the life experience... I would honestly play in Dubai just for the money."
Gattuso not off to Dubai - agent
The agent of Milan's Gennaro Gattuso has brushed aside rumours that the veteran midfielder will move to Dubai.
Gattuso is under contract with the Rossoneri for two more years but media speculation in Italy claims the 32-year-old could play in Dubai next season.
However, Gattuso's agent Claudio Pasqualin said: "There are no offers from Dubai for Gattuso."
Gattuso made 22 league appearances for the Rossoneri last season and was a member of Italy's World Cup squad.
He retired from international duty after Italy's group stage elimination from the tournament in South Africa.
No bids for Ozil, Allofs says
Werder Bremen general manager Klaus Allofs insists there have been no "concrete bids" for playmaker Mesut Ozil.
Ozil has sprung to prominence at the World Cup with a string of fine performances. The 21-year-old has under a year remaining on his existing contract, making him an obvious target for Europe's biggest clubs.
"Now he is playing a fantastic World Cup campaign, there is definitely increasing interest," Allofs said.
"But when it comes down to concrete bids, nothing has been done. We want him to stay on and actually there is no news."