Costa Rica 0-1 Uruguay by lugano

Uruguay have one foot in South Africa after claiming a 1-0 win over ten-man Costa Rica, courtesy of a first-half striker from captain Diego Lugano.

The proceedings began with plenty of niggling fouls by either side as they felt each otehr out in the first ten minutes.

The first real chance fell to Costa Rica midfielder Cristian Bolanos, who cut inside from the right, but his curling effort was straight at Lazio shot stopper Fernando Muslera in the Uruguay goal.

However, events took a dramatic turn on 22 minutes. Diego Forlan nearlys cored a spectacular goal with a one-time that flashed across the face of goal, that was put out for a corner. From the set-piece, Forlan got his head to the ball and the Ticos defence failed to clear the danger, allowing centre-back Diego Lugano to latch onto the loose ball and tap home from close range.

Despite intially looking shocked by the setback, Costa Rica had the better of the play in the last twenty minutes of the first 45 minutes. Bolanos, who had been one of the bright spots for the home side, put in a cross that was just too long for strikers Brian Ruiz and Alvaro Saborio.

The active Forlan did well to keep posession of 40 minutes, but his eventual attempt was well blocked. Meanwhile, Ruiz was becoming more and more involved to the delight of the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa.

A brilliant ball over the top by Randall Azofeifa found the Twente striker, but his looping header landed on top of the net with Muslera stranded as the half came to a close.