Uruguay claimed a crucial 2-1 victory away to Ecuador to keep their hopes of World Cup qualification alive.

An injury-time penalty from Diego Forlan gave the Charruas victory at the Olimpico Atahualpa and they now need a win over Argentina on Wednesday to achieve automatic qualification.

Antonio Valencia had put the home side ahead in the second half only for Luis Suarez to equalise almost immediately.

The match started evenly, but Uruguay had a chance to take the lead in the 10th minute when Marcelo Elizaga saved a Luis Suarez shot.

Ecuador were beginning to dominate possession, but it was Uruguay who posed the greater goal threat as Forlan tested Elizaga with a couple of long-range efforts.

Neither team could find a goal in the opening period, but Manchester United midfielder Valencia broke the deadlock 20 minutes after the interval.

Uruguay, though, needed only 60 seconds to get back on level terms as Forlan set up Suarez to score.

Ecuador were seeing far more of the ball but they saw their hopes dashed when Brazilian referee Salvio Fagundes awarded a penalty after ruling Edison Cavani had been fouled in the area by Elizaga. And Atletico Madrid striker Forlan made no mistake from the post to earn his side a crucial victory.

Ecuador must now beat Chile on Wednesday to make sure of a play-off place against a country from North, Central America and Caribbean qualifying.

The Uruguayans, meanwhile, will make it to the World Cup if they beat Argentina.