Uruguay edge closer to 2014 FIFA World Cup berth

Montevideo, Sep 11 (IANS)

Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani (L) is marked by Colombian midfielder Carlos Sanchez during their Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier match, in Montevideo on September 10, 2013. Uruguay won 2-0. (MIGUEL ROJO/AFP/Getty Images)

Edinson Cavani and Christian Stuani struck late goals as Uruguay kept alive their hopes of direct qualification for next year’s World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Colombia.

Colombia entered the match at the Estadio Centenario Tuesday needing a victory to secure their place in the World Cup for the first time since 1998, reports Xinhua.

But Cavani struck with a 78th minute header before Stuani prodded in after a clever turn and pass from Gaston Ramirez.

Uruguay are now fifth in the Conmebol standings, level on points with fourth placed Ecuador with just two matches remaining.

In other matches Tuesday, Bolivia drew 1-1 with Ecuador while Venezuela overcame Peru 3-2.