URUGUAY recorded their first ever victory in the World Cup finals as the South Americans beat Spain 27-15 in the ‘battle of the amateurs’ Pool A match here on Saturday. Two late breakaway tries by full-back Alfonso Cardoso and substitute Juan Mancheca sealed the win in a tight match against an enterprising but lightweight Spanish side. Cardoso raced 50 metres down the left flank to score in the corner two minutes from time and moments later Mancheca, in his first touch of the match, made a brilliant interception to score in the other corner. Uruguay started slowly but led 10-6 at the interval thanks to a try from Diego Ormaechea, the oldest player in the World Cup at 40. The veteran number eight, winning his 62nd cap, went over from close range near the posts providing Federico Sciarra with an easy conversion. Ukranian-born fly-half Andrei Kovalenco kept Spain in contention with two first half penalties before putting them in front with two more in the 49th and 51st minutes. But Uruguay laid siege to the Spanish line and regained the lead fifteen minutes from time.
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