Cristhian Stuani scores twice as Uruguay cruise past Uzbekistan

Uruguay will face Thailand in the final of the China Cup on Tuesday after Oscar Tabarez's side handed Uzbekistan a 3-0 defeat in the friendly tournament's semifinals in Nanning on Friday.

Cristhian Stuani struck twice after Gaston Pereiro had put Uruguay in front after five minutes to set up the meeting with the South East Asian side, who beat hosts China 1-0 on Thursday.

Uzbekistan will now play Fabio Cannavaro's side in the third place playoff, which will also be held on Tuesday.

Pereiro gave Uruguay, winners of the tournament in 2018, the lead when he smashed his low left foot shot beyond Uzbekistan goalkeeper Sanjar Kuvvatov.

Stuani doubled the South American nation's advantage 18 minutes later when he chipped the ball over the advancing Kuvvatov after it was deflected into his path by Egor Krimets.

Stuani wrapped up the win eight minutes from time when he steered Jonathan Rodriguez's low driven cross home from six yards out.