Ghana bowed out of the World Cup on penalties in the most heartbreaking circumstances after one of the most amazing finishes to a match the World Cup has ever seen.

Luis Suarez had used his hands to keep out a header in the last minute of extra-time but his red card will be no solace to the Black Stars after Asamoah Gyan's spot-kick hit the bar and Uruguay triumphed 4-2 in the shoot-out following the 1-1 draw.

Soccer City was deathly silent as Ghana players collapsed in tears, while Uruguay celebrated their first semi-final appearance, in which they will play Holland, for 40 years.