Uruguay get help for rapid return from Australia

Uruguay are speeding back to Montevideo to prepare for the decisive World Cup play-off after the South American nation's government sent a jet to fly the team back for Sunday.

The Uruguayans lost 1-0 to a 79th minute penalty from Kevin Muscat to give Australia the advantage going into the final game.

The Austalians had also booked a direct flight to bring them to Uruguay nearly a day ahead of their rivals before the Uruguayan government sent one of its planes to bring Victor Pua's team back from Argentina.

"We will now arrive three or four hours before the Australians because our government is sending a plane to pick us up when we arrive in Buenos Aires," Pua said.

The Uruguay team had to leave for Melbourne straight after they clinched the lay-off place last week and both the teams will have two days to prepare before the November 25th second leg.