World Cup 2014: Luis Suarez says Uruguay win was for the critics

Uruguay match-winner Luis Suarez says his country's 2-1 World Cup win over England brought him retribution against his critics in England.

The Liverpool striker, 27, scored in both halves to condemn England to their second successive loss in Group D and leave them close to a World Cup exit.

"Before the game, too many people in England laughed about my attitude over the last few years," he said.

"This is a very good time for me. I want to see what they think now."

Suarez had both of Uruguay's shots on target against England, scoring from both of them.

Suarez, who missed Uruguay's opening World Cup defeat by Costa Rica after a month out following knee surgery, has been subjected to heavy criticism since signing for Liverpool from Ajax in 2011.

He was banned for 10 matches after biting the arm of Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic in a Premier League match in April 2013 and was given an eight-match suspension for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra in October 2011.

"It has been like a dream," he said. "It is something I have dreamt about very often. It was one of the best games I've played.

"It's an amazing moment for me. Maybe a few days ago I thought this wouldn't be possible."

Suarez's winning goal, a powerful strike six minutes from time after Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard had miscued a header, came just nine minutes after Wayne Rooney had cancelled out the Uruguayan striker's headed opener.

It took the striker's tally to five goals in seven World Cup matches.

"I had to keep calm, keep my cool and when I got the ball I just kicked it with my whole heart thinking of all those who have supported me," he said.

"I would like to say thank you to my wife and my two children, my physiotherapist Walter Ferreira and my team-mates."

As he celebrated, Suarez had some sympathy for club-mate Gerrard.

"This is an unlucky moment for him," said Suarez. "I don't like it when he hurts like this. I said, 'Keep going, forget this game, you're one of the best'. He's the best player I've played with."

Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez said "the script of a movie could not have been better written" after watching his country record their first win over European opposition at a World Cup since 1970.

"This match for us was packed with symbolism and I think we proved we are not dead," he said. "This brings at least a temporary breeze, gives us tranquillity and lifts our self-esteem.

"Luis Suarez's team-mates really love him. We all love him. He is a wonderful person and a very important player for our team.

"We've been able to win against a European team and both goals were scored by a player who was unable to play a couple of weeks ago. So of course we love him - and I think he loves us."

England manager Roy Hodgson, who earlier in the week said that Suarez had to perform at the World Cup to be recognised as "one of the all-time greats", insisted he would not resign, despite defeat leaving his side on the brink of World Cup exit.

England will be knocked out if Italy fail to beat Costa Rica on Friday in a game that kicks off at 17:00 BST and will be broadcast live on BBC One, Radio 5 live and the BBC Sport website.