Not even a good luck text from Sir Alex Ferguson could help Forlan inspire Uruguay to victory against Holland, with the Dutch going on to register a 3-2 win.

The former Manchester United striker did manage to score his fourth goal of the tournament to cancel out Giovanni van Bronckhorst's opener, and for a while the South American underdogs looked capable of registering a shock win.

In the end, though, the dream died thanks to goals from Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben, leaving Forlan to pick the positives out of a season where he won the Europa League with Atletico Madrid, then reached the last four of the game's most prestigious competition, eclipsing the achievements of South American rivals Brazil and Argentina.

"It has been the best year of my career," said the 31-year-old. "Winning the Europa League with Atletico Madrid, reaching that final and then reaching another semi-final of the World Cup is just great.

"But we are still so disappointed because we were so close to a World Cup final and we have missed a great chance."

Ferguson's message emphasised the good relationship that still exists between the United boss and his former player.

Forlan joined the Red Devils from Independiente in a £7million deal eight years ago. But, after taking 27 games to score his first goal, Forlan was never going to be given an extended run in the United first team and finally left for Villarreal in 2004.

His achievements since have backed up Ferguson's decision to hijack an intended move to Middlesbrough and snap Forlan up himself.

Two Golden Boot awards in Spain tell their own story about his prowess in front of goal, although Forlan holds no grudge towards his former boss.

"I always had respect for him and him for me," said Forlan. "There were great players at United and I didn't have the chance to play.

"It was fair but it was difficult, so I tried to look for a place and moved to another team."

Forlan did not complete last night's game after succumbing to a thigh problem he had before the match started.

Without suspended strike partner Luis Suarez, coach Oscar Tabarez had no choice but to pile the responsibility onto his captain and Forlan ended up paying the price, making him a major doubt for Saturday's third-place play-off in Port Elizabeth.

"I had some tiredness in my thigh when I started the game and it was difficult," he said.

"I was limping and I was trying to stay in the game but in the end I could not help anybody.

"I hope to be fit for Saturday, I want to play for that third place because even that would be great for everyone.

"Then I hope to have a big holiday because I am really tired."