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2002 World Cup - Venezuela 2 Uruguay 0

Aug 15, 2001

Uruguay were celebrating last month after a 1-0 win over Brazil but they crashed to defeat in Maracaibo to end their brief revival in World Cup form.

Although Uruguay improved as the game wore on after a dull first half they conceded a last minute goal that finally ended their chances of claiming a draw.

Ruberth Moran had given the home side a 53rd minute lead from close range after the Uruguay defence failed to clear a cross which allowed him to hit an angled shot and substitute Alexander Rondon sealed the win with a drive in the dying seconds after a quick counter attack caught out the visiting defence.

Uruguay striker Dario Silva was lucky to stay on the field after he elbowed Venezuelan goalkeeper Rafael Dudamel in the 30th minute but the referee did not see the clash.

Uruguay have given Brazil a large boost ahead of their vital game tonight at home to Panama.

The Uruguayans had drawn level on points with Brazil after their win on July 1st in Montevideo but they blew the chance to build a lead over Luiz Felipe Scolari's team.

Brazil must still go for the win tonight but a draw may not be a disaster if Uruguay and Colombia fail to win matches to prevent Brazil from taking the fourth and last qualifying place for Japan and Korea. For Brazil Colombia's form is now the key to reaching the finals next summer.

The fifth place team will play off in November against Australia.

Venezuela completed only their second win of the qualifying series and have been rooted to the foot of the table for sme time.

Roma scouts were watching defender Gustavo Sorondo in this game but he did not look as convincing as he did in the win over Brazil.

Source:  WSN