MONTEVIDEO, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Luis Suarez came off the bench to score a second-half winner as Uruguay defeated France1-0 in their international friendly on Wednesday.

The Liverpool frontman struck just moments after replacing Diego Forlan in the 49th minute by running onto a Maxi Pereira pass and angling his shot beyond the reach of goalkeeper Steve Mandanda.

The result at the Estadio Centenario was met with muted enthusiasm by Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez, who already has his mind on next Tuesday's World Cup qualifier away to Venezuela.

Uruguay are currently sixth in the South America zone standings and must win in Puerto Ordaz to maintain their hopes of a top-four spot and direct qualification.

"The story will be written at the end of that match," Tabarez said. "There are areas we need to work on but today there were some aspects which, collectively and individually, exceeded my expectations."

France will play Brazil in an international friendly in Porto Alegre on Sunday.