Uruguay qualifies for 2014
November 21, 2013
Uruguay never found the goal in Wednesday's return leg at home against Jordan but already had sufficient goals on aggregate to qualify in front of a 55,000 capacity crowd in Montevideo's Centenario stadium.
Uruguay's qualification - despite failing to get one of the South American region's four direct berths - means that eight teams that have lifted the trophy in World Cup history will be playing in Brazil next year.
In 1950, Uruguay beat Brazil 2-1 to become that year's world champions and create one of the key moments in Uruguayan football.
Grinding goalless match
As Wednesday's grinding match ended Uruguayan fans and players erupted into wild celebrations as fireworks exploded about the stadium.
"We're all happy because the truth is it's been a hard road," Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani told reporters. "We have to enjoy it."
Jordan defended deep, denying the South Americans scoring chances.
The tone was set early when referee Jonas Eriksson booked Jordan's Mohammed Aldmeiri and Adnan Hasan for some wild lunges.
The closest the home side came to scoring was when Uruguay's center back Diego Godin headed against the bar just before halftime.
Uruguay captain Diego Lugano headed a corner wide of the far post just past the hour.
Jordan coach generous
Jordan's Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan was pleased with his team's reaction to its disappointment last week in Amman.
"We played very well, we met a very good team, very strong, with players from different parts of the world," Hassan said.
"I want Uruguay to have a good World Cup in Brazil," he added.
Wednesday's match was for the final berth in the 32-team World Cup. The draw for the group stage takes place in Bahia, Brazil, on December 6.
ipj/jr (AFP, dpa, Reuters)