Forlan Leads Uruguay to Quarterfinals

Uruguay secured a Copa America quarter-final against Argentina thanks to a narrow victory over Mexico in La Plata. Alvaro Pereira netted the game's only goal in the 14th minute to ensure Oscar Tabarez's side finished second in Group C behind Chile, who earlier defeated Peru 1-0, while the CONCACAF representatives were condemned to a group-stage exit from the competition for the first time.

Diego Forlan and Nicolas Lodeiro both hit the woodwork as Uruguay sought the elusive second goal, before an offside flag denied Rafael Marquez Lugo a late equaliser for Mexico.

Uruguay started on the front foot, with their opponents seemingly content to look for the counter-attack. Pereira pounced for his second goal of the tournament when goalkeeper Luis Michel spilled the ball following a Forlan free-kick, which caused panic in the Mexico defence.

Forlan almost added to El Tri's woes a minute later with a fierce attempt from distance, but this time Michel was able to beat away the shot. Giovani dos Santos was Mexico's dangerman and forced a good save from Fernando Muslera in the 25th minute, firing low and hard across the Uruguay goalkeeper after a tricky run on the left-hand side.

The action soon returned to the other end and La Celeste almost doubled their advantage on the half-hour mark, Forlan hitting the post after Hiram Mier had failed to deal with Maxi Pereira's cross. Luis Suarez  tried his luck from distance six minutes later, Michel tipping it around the post for a corner.

Dos Santos was taken off at half-time and Mexico struggled as an attacking force without him.Uruguay continued to create chance after chance in the second period but, without Edinson Cavani due to a knee injury, were unable to grab the second goal.

Cristian Rodriguez got his head to a couple of corners, testing Michel with the second attempt, but the Mexico keeper made the save. Suarez set up Forlan in the 64th minute only for the Atletico Madrid forward to scoop over bar from close range.

Liverpool frontman Suarez burst through himself and poked wide two minutes later, while Forlan saw a fierce drive save, Diego Perez blasted narrowly wide and Lodeiro, 13 minutes from time, became the second Uruguay player to strike the woodwork.

Marquez Lugo looked to have set up a grandstand finish when he prodded home a free-kick from substitute Edgar Pacheco in the 80th minute, but he was adjudged offside.