Uruguay defeat helps Brazil

Venezuela's Rafael Dudamel made a last-minute save

Venezuela 2-0 Uruguay

Brazil's chances of qualifying for the 2002 World Cup were boosted when Venezuela condemned Uruguay to a shock defeat in Maracaibo.

Second-half goals from Ruberth Moran and Alexander Rondon were enough to give Venezuela only their fourth win in a World Cup qualifier since 1965.

The result means that Uruguay remain in fifth place in the South American group with Brazil in fourth.

The two nations are level on points but Brazil have a superior goal difference and a game in hand - they play Paraguay on Wednesday.

Only the top four in the group are guaranteed a spot in next year's finals in Japan and South Korea.

The team finishing fifth will have to win a play-off with Australia to qualify.

Good start

Venezuela began much the brighter of the two teams and Moran hit the bar in the 11th minute when put through by Juan Arango.

Daniel Noriega wasted a chance to put Venezuela ahead in the 51st minute but made amends two minutes later when he set up Moran for the opener.

Uruguay pushed forward and Alvaro Recoba hit the bar soon afterwards.

The Inter Milan player also saw his last-minute free kick tipped over by Rafael Dudamel.

Venezuela sealed victory in injury time when substitute Rondon scored on the counter-attack.

To add to a miserable night for Uruguay, defender Gustavo Mendez was sent off for two bookable offences.

Despite their win, Venezuela remain bottom of the 10-team group.

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Venezuela: Dudamel, Vallenilla, Rojas, Rey, Alvarado, Vera, Mea Vitali, Paez, Arango, Noriega, Moran.

Uruguay: Carini, Mendez, Sorondo, Montero, Guigou, de los Santos, Giacomazzi, Romero, Recoba, Silva.