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Jordan 0, Uruguay 5: One Foot in Brazil for Uruguay After Comfortable Win in Jordan

Uruguay ease to victory over Jordan in the first leg of their World Cup playoff in Amman, scoring two in the first half and three in the second to leave themselves with a five goal advantage heading into the return leg next Wednesday.

Buda Mendes

Jordan 0
Uruguay 5: Pereira 22', Stuani 42', Lodeiro 70', Rodriguez 78', Cavani 90'+2'

As expected, Luis Suarez started up front with Edinson Cavani for Uruguay, and the visitors found themselves under a fair bit of pressure in the early going. Jordan closed down quickly and forced a few chances in the opening minutes, most notably with Martin Silva forced into a quick one-handed save at the near post after a spell of pressure from the hosts.

Around the twenty minute mark that came to an end, and Uruguay quickly took advantage. A header back across goal by Cavani was saved well by Mohammed Shatnawi, but Maxi Pereira followed up quickly and slotted it in for the lead. Suarez followed with a mazy run into the penalty area minutes later, though he let himself down with a dive that was correctly waved away, and followed with a few frustrated and ineffective touches. Less than five minutes before the half the lead was doubled, as a lofted pass to the far side from Nicolas Lodeiro was clipped by a Jordan defender before sitting perfectly for Christian Stuani, who eased it past Shatnawi for Uruguay's second.

Jordan held out for nearly half an hour into the second half, but Uruguay proved too strong, extending their lead first through Lodeiro on 70 minutes and then from Christian Rodriguez in the 78th. Luis Suarez came off shortly after, replaced by Diego Forlan, who got involved a bit but mostly just watched as Cavani finally got his goal in injury time with a delightful curling free kick.

The result leaves Uruguay all but qualified heading into next Wednesday's second leg, as the most challenging work now will be the miles they'll travel to return to Montevideo. So maybe just send Suarez back now, okay?

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