Uruguay wrapped up their two-match international tour in Malaysia with a convincing 2–1 victory over Uzbekistan at the Hang Jebat Stadium, Melaka.
After edging the Dominican Republic 1–0 in Kuala Lumpur earlier in the week, La Celeste produced a more fluid performance in Melaka, overcoming a spirited Uzbek side managed by Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro, who was seeking his first win in charge.
The first half saw Uruguay dominate possession and create several promising chances through Facundo Torres, Kevin Amaro, and Real Oviedo striker Federico Viñas.
Torres nearly gave Uruguay the lead in the 11th minute, only to see his shot brilliantly denied by Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov. Eight minutes later, Viñas tested the defense with a powerful long-range strike that flew just over the crossbar.
Despite Uruguay’s control, Uzbekistan’s compact defense, led by former Selangor FC defender Umarbek Eshmurodov, held firm to keep the scoreline level at 0–0 heading into halftime.
Bielsa’s decision to introduce Ignacio Laquintana after the break immediately changed the tempo of the match. The substitution paid dividends as Uruguay broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, with Facundo Torres finally finding the back of the net after a sharp attacking sequence.
Uruguay doubled their lead just nine minutes later when Juan Manuel Sanabria, the Atlético de San Luis midfielder, finished calmly from inside the box to make it 2–0.
The South Americans’ attacking dominance forced Cannavaro into several tactical changes, as Uzbekistan struggled to contain Uruguay’s pressing and quick passing movement.
Uzbekistan pulled one back in the 82nd minute through substitute Ruslanbek Jiyanov, who converted from close range following a well-worked counterattack. However, it was too little, too late for the White Wolves, as Uruguay’s defense — marshalled by captain Santiago Bueno of Wolverhampton Wanderers — held firm until the final whistle.
According to Sofascore, Federico Viñas was named Man of the Match, earning a rating of 8.0, narrowly edging out Sanabria’s 7.7. The 27-year-old forward’s movement and link-up play proved vital to Uruguay’s attacking rhythm.
With two wins from two matches in their Asian tour, Uruguay will now shift their attention to their next friendly against Mexico on November 16, while Uzbekistan are set to face Egypt on November 7.
Credit Photo : AUF
