BURNABY, B.C. — Imagine: South American and Asian zone teams found conditions for international soccer a little hot for their liking yesterday at the FIFA under-20 World Cup.
Yet that was the tone of postgame comments after Uruguay defeated Jordan 1-0 on a goal by brilliant striker Edinson Cavani in the 30th minute.
"It was a difficult game [and] it's important to be fit," said Uruguay coach Gustavo Ferrin. "It was too hot. We had to make a lot of modifications. We will be in better shape next game."
Hot or not — temperature at game time was about 30 C — Uruguay didn't rest on its laurels after a brilliant first half.
Jordan's Abdallah Salim, left, and Uruguay's Gary Kagelmacher try to get a head on a loose ball. (Richard Lam/CP)
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After blowing a two-goal lead the previous game, Uruguay got down to business for the full 90 minutes against Jordan, although both teams used the maximum three substitutes in the second half.
The capacity crowd of 10,000 at refurbished Swangard Stadium seemed pro-Jordan at times, but many were there to see the second game of the evening in Group B between Spain and Zambia.
Uruguay was more organized on defence in its second game and took three points through dogged determination on a sweltering evening with the clear blue skies matching the colour of the Charruas' uniforms.
Cavani's pace and technique made the attack player from Saito in northern Uruguay the most dangerous player on the pitch.
Jordan, playing in its first under-20 World Cup, tried to defend in numbers in the opening half and was successful until a breakdown that allowed Uruguay to show its abundant skill.
The Charruas struck decisively in transition when forward Gerardo Vonder Putten chipped a marvellous pass over the central defence of the Jordanians, putting Cavani into space on the run.
Cavani, who scored in the opening draw against Spain, made no mistake with his shot from the right of the net that went between the legs of goalkeeper Hamad Al Asmar for a well-taken goal in the 40th minute.
"We practise a lot for this situation," Cavani said. "Thank goodness for Uruguay we score."
Jordan nearly equalized late in the half when a long shot by Raed Fraeh eluded goalkeeper Mauro Goicoechea and struck the far post. The chance came on a turnover when the ball caromed off the foot of New Zealand referee Peter O'Leary and went directly to Fraeh.
Fraeh's outside speed caused problems for Uruguay in the second half and he nearly scored on a late run, only to shoot wide.
All four teams in Group B were tied with a point each after opening day, and it was important for Uruguay to establish a more complete game.
"Uruguay showed they are a good team and can go far," Jordan coach Jan Poulsen said. "I'm very satisfied the way we played, very proud.
"We can play good football. We gave Uruguay a good match."
The Jordanians wanted to take away the Uruguay target men and gave up numerous corners early in the game. Jordan often was content to just clear the ball into space when under pressure.
Uruguay midfielder Luis Suarez nearly scored early when his shot from the right struck the arm of Al Asmar before dribbling wide of goal.
A free kick by Vonder Putten from the edge of the penalty area nearly resulted in another goal in the first half as Cavani just missed redirecting the ball at the far post.
Uruguay tried to limit the ball handling of Jordan's star midfielder, Abdallah Salim, by marking Salim with Hugo Arismendi in the first half.
Arismendi had the size and strength to match Salim when contesting possession, but Arismendi tired and gave way to substitute Mathias Cardaccio in the second half.
