Uruguay down Costa Rica to seize World Cup edge

Uruguay took a step toward the 2010 World Cup Saturday as captain Diego Lugano’s first-half strike proved enough for a 1-0 victory in the first leg of their qualifying playoff against Costa Rica.

The second leg of the tie will be on Wednesday in Montevideo, where Costa Rica can expect to be hard pressed to turn things around.

But Costa Rica’s Brazilian coach Rene Simoes insisted his players can win in Stadio Centenario.

“We have to believe in ourselves,” Simoes said. “Why ca’t we win in Centenario?”

Uruguay are hoping to return to the global football showcase after failing to qualify in 2006.

Costa Rica, who have appeared in the last two World Cups, were less than 30 seconds from qualifying last month when they allowed Jonathan Bornstein’s goal in injury time to give the United States a 2-2 draw at Washington.

That gave Honduras the third and final direct entry berth from the North and Central America and the Caribbean region.

Uruguay reached the playoff by finishing fifth in South American qualifying.

In an often patchy first half, it was Uruguay who pressed the action forward.

Costa Rica, unable to challenge Uruguayan keeper Fernando Muslera, were unlucky in the 20th minute when injury forced defender Gilberto Martinez off after a collision with Alvaro Fernandez.

While he was receiving treatment, Uruguay took full advantage as Diego Forlan came close to scoring with a center that crossed the face of the goal.

On the ensuing corner Forlan rose to head the ball, Costa Rica failed to clear the danger and Lugano seized upon the loose ball to slot it home in the 21st minute.

Costa Rica had a chance to equalize shortly before halftime, but Bryan Ruiz’s header off Randall Azofeifa’s cross went over the crossbar.

Costa Rica’s efforts to find the equalizer were further hindered when they were reduced to 10 men in the 52nd minute when Azofeifa recieved his second yellow card.

Uruguay were unable to capitalize on their advantage, but neither could Costa Rica make their spirited efforts pay as attempts from Alvaro Saborio and Walter Centeno failed to really test Muslera.

Fernandez had a chance to add to Uruguay’s lead with three minutes remaining, but his header was blocked by Junior Diaz.

Simoes said Costa Rica’s big mistake was failing to apply enough pressure on the Uruguayan goal in the first half.

“We played very well in the second half. This part of the match was really good.”