After losing to Mexico and England, it would have been easy for the Irish players to give up on their dream to go all the way in this World Cup. But a renewed sense of desire to give everything drove them forward.
There were spells in both of their previous games where Ireland impressed and they brought that good play into the Uruguay clash, where they dominated for large portions of the game.
Both Kevan O'Rourke and James Boyle scored two apiece and those goals ultimately proved to be the difference as Ireland's agility and experience kept them out of reach of their opponents.
It was a special night for O'Rourke in particular as he netted the all-important winner in the final minute of what was his 40th appearance for the team.
Ireland will now begin their preparations for a Last-16 game with their opponents set to be revealed on Wednesday.