Uruguay keep Colombia waiting
© AFP
Uruguay boosted their 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualification hopes with a 2-0 win over Colombia on Tuesday which left their South American rivals waiting to book their tickets to Brazil.
Late goals from Paris St Germain striker Edinson Cavani and Cristian Stuani handed the two-time FIFA World Cup winners a dramatic win at the Centenario Stadium as Colombia's hopes of sealing their passage were put on hold.
The Colombians had needed only a point to be sure of clinching their first FIFA World Cup qualification since 1998 and for long periods looked more than capable of claiming the result they needed.
But Uruguay - who are now firm favourites to achieve at least a play-off spot - broke the deadlock 13 minutes from time.
A superb curling cross from Maxi Pereira was met by Cavani, who guided his header expertly past Colombian keeper David Ospina to make it 1-0.
Moments later Gaston Ramirez carved out some space inside the area and cut back to find Cristian Stuani who coolly tucked the ball away to make it 2-0.
It was a third consecutive victory for Uruguay in the qualifying tournament and left them level on 22 points with fourth placed Ecuador, who drew 1-1 with Bolivia earlier on Tuesday.
Second-placed Colombia remain firmly on course to qualify however, requiring only a point from their final two fixtures to reach Brazil.