Uruguay defeated Portugal 2-1 in Sochi on Sunday (AEST) and will face France in the quarter-finals on Friday while Portugal have been eliminated from the tournament. 

"The distinctive feature of the game was the dedication the players showed on the pitch, and that is the way that we see football. It was difficult," Tabarez said post match.

"Portugal had more possession and were often in our half of the pitch, and it would have been better for us to have more of the ball and play the game closer to their goal.

"But we have a very strong team in terms of our mindset and I am very happy."