Montero Give Uruguay World Cup Win

Uruguay 1-0 Paraguay
MONTEVIDEO, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Uruguay captain Paolo Montero headed a late goal to earn his side a 1-0 win over Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old Juventus defender, lucky to escape with only a booking for a late challenge in the first half, rose at the far post to convert a corner in the 78th minute.

Montero, who quit international football after the 2002 World Cup but reconsidered this year, was playing only his second match in the South American zone qualifying campaign.

Uruguay, beaten by Peru and Venezuela in Montevideo earlier in the campaign, badly needed the win to stay in contention for a place at the 2006 finals.

They now have 14 points from 11 games in the 10-nation South American group, two behind Paraguay, who are third but have taken only two points from their last three games.

Uruguay had slightly the better of a bruising encounter despite another low-key performance from playmaker Alvaro Recoba, who was substituted in the second half.

Spanish-based striker Richard Morales was close for the hosts early in the second half when goalkeeper Justo Villar struggled to keep out his header.

Paraguay came with the clear intention of playing for a draw and Uruguay goalkeeper Sebastian Viera was a virtual spectator.