Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani net as Uruguay beat Czech Republic

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:32 am

Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani scored first-half goals as Uruguay eased into the final of the China Cup by beating the Czech Republic 2-0 in Nanning.

Uruguay now play Wales in Monday's final, while the Czechs face China for third place after the hosts were thrashed 6-0 by Wales on Thursday.

Uruguay took a 10th-minute lead when Czech goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka rushed from his line to bring down Suarez.

The Barcelona striker stepped forward to take the penalty and smashed the ball into the roof of the net.

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Matias Vecino almost doubled Uruguay's lead with a close-range header, but the Czechs rallied strongly and Antonin Barak forced Fernando Muslera into a smart save at the base of a post.

But Uruguay scored again after 37 minutes when Cavani, adjudged onside by the assistant referee, struck a spectacular overhead kick which flew past Pavlenka.

The Czechs spurned a gilt-edged chance when Patrik Schick headed wide from six yards.

Schick struck the crossbar 13 minutes from time, but Uruguay comfortably progressed to set up only their second-ever meeting with Wales.