Uruguay Get Crucial Win in Venezuela and Spain Defeat Ireland

Venezuela 0
Uruguay 1: Cavani 27'

Uruguay could have seen themselves on the outside looking in with a loss tonight, but an Edison Cavani goal just inside of the half-hour mark proved to be enough for the Uruguayans to end the day in a playoff position. Luis Suarez was banned for the match and Sebastian Coates was an unused substitute for the visitors, who will now have the next few months off to hope that they've well and truly put an abysmal 2012 (and start to 2013) behind them. With a match in hand they could yet chase down an automatic qualifying spot, though at this point they would likely be happy with securing the playoff berth. Focus now turns to Brazil and the Confederations Cup, where Uruguay will open with Spain on the 16th.

Here's Cavani's goal, because it's sort of half-decent:

Spain 2: Soldado 69', Mata 88'
Ireland 0

Pepe Reina didn't play a part in Spain's last warmup before they take on Uruguay in the Confederations Cup, as Victor Valdes was replaced by Iker Casillas at the half for Vicente Del Bosque's squad. Second-half goals from Roberto Soldado and Juan Mata sealed the victory, and now they'll end their brief US tour as they head to Brazil. No playing time on tap for Reina there either, but it's a chance to scope out and sample the nightclubs for their trip next summer.

Other: Javier Mascherano kicked a medic who was stretchering him off the field. That was weird.