2002 World Cup - Uruguay 4 Ecuador 0

Uruguay is on its way back to top quality football after trashing Ecuador in Montevideo in a South American World Cup qualifying match.

Though he only scored once, it was Dario Silva who made the difference in Sunday's game. The Malaga player, who kept star Sebastian "Loco" Abreu on the bench, proved he is an important player in a team that has not been able to succeed at this level for a long time.

First it was Federico Magallanes who scored in the 15th minute thanks to a superb free kick from the right flank after Nico Olivera was deflected by a defender. In the 37th minute, another free kick, this time executed by youngster Olivera, allowed Silva to get the ball and beat the goalkeeper.

Ecuador's best chance came when Alex Aguinaga shot a good free kick that just missed the target.

In the 55th minute once again Olivera made a perfect pass that left Magallanes just behind the defence, a chance that the former Real Madrid player could not waste. Finally midfielder Gaby Cedres scored the fourth goal three minutes before the end of the match with a low drive.