Forlan stars as Uruguay clip Nigeria

SALVADOR, Brazil (AP):

Diego Forlan celebrated his 100th appearance for Uruguay in style, setting up one goal then scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory over Nigeria yesterday to move his team within sight of the Confederations Cup semi-finals.

Forlan's decisive goal came in the 51st minute with a sweetly struck left-footed drive, when he finished off a swift counterattack that involved all three of the South American champion's forwards, starting with Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.

Malaga defender Diego Lugano put Uruguay ahead in the 19th following a cross from Forlan and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel equalised for Nigeria in the 37th.

"(Forlan) is a top striker with the way he uses both feet and the way he handles the ball," Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said. "He showcased that talent tonight."

Uruguay and Nigeria are level with three points each in Group B but Uruguay will be expected to win their next match against underdogs Tahiti while Nigeria face World Cup holder Spain.

"Since the draw, we knew that this was the huge match to play," Tabarez said. "We have taken a huge step toward the semi-finals but we're not there yet."

SPAIN LEAD GROUP

Spain, which routed Tahiti 10-0 earlier yesterday, lead the group with a full six points, while Tahiti are on zero.

However, Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi wasn't giving up yet.

"Everything is achievable," he said. "It depends how bad you want it."

At the Arena Fonte Nova on a warm and humid evening, the sparse crowd supported Nigeria, or rather rooted against Brazil's southern neighbours Uruguay.

Nigeria relied on long balls while Uruguay relied on a more deliberate approach.

The 34-year-old Forlan won the Golden Ball trophy as the best player at the 2010 World Cup when Uruguay finished fourth and he rekindled some of that form in this match.