Uruguay beat Argentina 1-0

Montevideo:

Uruguay beat Argentina 1-0 in Montevideo on Wednesday to secure fifth place in the South American World Cup qualifying table. Alvaro Recoba scored the only goal at the start of the second half to see Jorge Fossati's through to a play off for next year's finals against Australia. Uruguay strike The sole strike came from Uruguay's Diego Forlan, who cleverly headed Dario Rodriguez's looping cross into the path of the ever-dangerous Recoba, who volleyed the ball past the advancing Abbondanzieri and into the net just after the break. Unsurprisingly, the goal sparked wild celebrations both on and off the pitch a€" Recoba rewarded for his enterprising efforts right from kick off. Moments later Jorge Fossati's could have doubled their lead. With Argentina making an atrocious mess of clearing a corner, Marcelo Zalayeta's strike was well stopped by Abbondanzieri. Defender Diego Lugano was well placed to tap in the breaking ball, but once again the Argentina stopper repelled his effort from close distance. Despite neat passages of play Jose Pekerman's side rarely threatened - Juan Pablo Sorin's flicked header the closest they came in the second half. Missed chances Indeed, Uruguay had numerous chances, one of them falling to Richard Morales, who was a marauding presence throughout. The rangy striker out jumped his marker's at the far post, but failed to steer his header goalwards and vented his frustration on a nearby advertising hoarding. But soon, it went frustration to elation on the sound of the referee's final whistle a€" Uruguay defeating their old rivals to ensure a play off with Australia in November. It had been sixteen years since Uruguay had defeated their near neighbours, but after their long, long wait Jorge Fossati's conjured a victory that will be long remembered in Montevideo. (AP)