Puerto Ordaz was the site as Uruguay paid a visit to Venezuela with inside position for the intercontinental playoff berth on the line. Venezuela were aggressive early on, and nearly found a goal off a free kick by Juan Arango. The ball took a wicked bounce off the grass just before it reached the goalkeeper, but an alert Diego Godin in central defense for Uruguay booted the rebound to safety. Salomon Rondon slipped a defender before unleashing a low drive along the ground, but Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was able to parry the shot away. Walter Gargano picked up a loose ball in midfield for Uruguay and sent a quick pass out to Edinson Cavani (pictured, blue). Cavani drove into the box, cut back as Gabriel Cichero slid by, and then slotted home to the far post for the opening goal. Uruguay nearly made it two to the good after a Cristian Rodriguez run straight up the middle dragged the two defenders toward him, allowing for a side pass to Cavani. However, Cavani pulled his shot just wide of the far post. In a nearly identical play, Gaston Ramirez run ran up the middle before laying off to Diego Forlan, who just missed wide of the near post for what could have been Uruguay's second goal. Venezuela were lucky to be down only 1-0 at the break.
Venezuela regained control of the match in the second forty-five, but no chances were created to truly trouble the Uruguayan goal. Tomas Rincon was sent marching for Venezuela for a second yellow in minute 84 after taking down Rodriguez from behind. With only ten men, Venezuela proved to be no less motivated in their quest for an equalizer. In stoppage time, Venezuela right back Roberto Rosales suffered a cut head. Once he returned to the pitch, he nearly scored in the last minute of play, but his goal-bound shot was turned aside by a stray leg of an Uruguayan defender to save the day. Uruguay record their first win in seven qualifying matches, 1-0 on the road.
Goals
Uruguay
Edinson Cavani 28
Match Reports:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/soccer-cavani-goal-uruguay-much-needed-win-venezuela-022817287.html
http://www.channelstv.com/home/2013/06/12/uruguay-shakes-off-venezuela-threat-revives-w-cup-dream/
Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exWRts1p_bI
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