Kicking off their campaign at the Education City Stadium, the two teams came into the tournament with solid defensive reputations, but the Uruguayans did a better job of solving the South Korean puzzle, hitting the woodwork twice.
Outside him Martin Caceres, 35, shackled Son, harassing the South Korean winger any time he got the ball and sticking close to him to discourage others from passing his way.
Up front Luis Suarez, also a year younger than Godin at 35, tormented the Korean defence with his angled, bustling runs as he tried to open up space for Uruguay to exploit.
The Uruguayans almost scored what would have been a deserved late winner when Valverde hit a post.
Reporting by Philip O'Connor Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.