Jordan, Uruguay score: Millennium Cup

A late goal by defender Osama Sabah helped Jordan beat Romania in the opening encounter of the Group C league in the Sahara Cup Millennium soccer tournament at the Nehru stadium, in Margao, Goa, on Thursday.

In another match at Kochi's Nehru stadium, Uruguay provided a whiff of Latin magic to score a 2-1 (half-time 2-1) victory over Iceland in Group B.

Jordan, who enjoyed territorial advantage in the second half during which they missed some close chances, scored the all-important goal in the 88th minute.

Rafat Ali Jabber, who advanced with the ball from the middle, relayed it to Hassouneh Sheikh Qasem, who split the defence with a forward pass to Faisal Suleiman. The last-named unleashed an angular drive that found the far post, beating Romania 'keeper Anghel Eugen all ends up.

Both teams failed to enliven the crowd as they played a slow, defensive game.

Uruguay, usually identified with their stern defending, came out to attack and made their intentions clear right from the start with speedy attacks down either flank.

Fleet-footed Victor Abelenda on the left had the Iceland defence back-pedalling time and again. The right flank also showing energy and enterprise in Juan Segales as the early moments suggested that the Uruguayans looked good to score any time.

It was only in the 26th minute that the Iceland citadel fell, buckling as it did after mid-fielder Mario Gastan once again caused panic -- this time with a cross from the left.

Varela looked set to score but Jonsson brought the South American striker down in a heap to give Uruguay a chance to take a well-deserved lead.

Alexandro stepped up to boom the ball past the busy Gunnleifsson in the 26th minute to break the deadlock.

Uruguayan joy swelled three minutes later when a lightning move from deep inside their own defence led to a spectacular goal.

Daniel Pereira split the Iceland defence with a long through ball to Abelenda, whose pin-point cross had the running Ricardo Varela heading past the hapless Gunnleifsson to make it 2-0.

Iceland, though, quickly brought the contest back to life when they beat the seemingly redundant Martin Barlocco in the Uruguayan goal. A free-kick by Sverrison found Hinriksson heading into the Uruguayan net in the 32nd minute.

Chances fell on either side before the interval but the score board remained unaltered -- thanks to Gunlieffson’s reflexes to deny the ebullient Ricardo Valera and a case of wayward shooting by Iceland’s Bjarnason.

Contrary to expectations, the Icelanders showed better stamina in alien conditions than their South American opponents who fell into their traditional defensive mould.

Persistent pressure from the Europeans, however, only drew Nestor Cardofo to a goalline save from Gudmundsson’s effort after Uruguayan 'keeper Martin Barlocco lay helpless on the turf.