Paraguay 1-2 Uruguay: Federico Valverde's deflected strike and Gustavo Gomez own goal put away side on brink of World Cup spot

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Uruguay rode their luck as they overcame a stubborn Paraguay side to put them within touching distance of Russia 2018.

Edinson Cavani pulled a shot wide in the first-half as the away side struggled to assert their authority.

Victory eventually arrived in the second-half after Federico Valverde's strike from distance took two deflections before finding the bottom corner.

Luis Suarez celebrates after Gustavo Gomez's own goal put Uruguay two goals ahead

Luis Suarez screams in delight after Federico Valverde's opening strike for Uruguay

Valverde's shot from distance took two deflections before nestling into the bottom corner

Gustavo Gomez's comical own goal, which came after Luis Suarez's shot that struck the crossbar rebounded in off his side, settled the tie.

Angel Romero then leapt in unmarked at the far post two minutes from time to set up a frantic ending.

But the away side held on to secure a vital win that lifts them up to second in the South American qualifying group.

Uruguay need just one win from their final two fixtures, away at Venezuela and at home to Bolivia, to confirm their place in next year's finals.

They now sit three points above fifth-placed Argentina, who are facing the possibility of a two-legged play-off clash with New Zealand in November.

Jorge Sampaoli's side were held at home by bottom-of-the-table Venezuela in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night.

Elsewhere table-toppers Brazil were held at home by Colombia while Peru climbed into the automatic qualification spots after winning away in Ecuador.

Edinson Cavani rues a missed opportunity after firing wide from an acute angle in the first-half

Christian Rodriguez fights for the ball as Paraguay's Victor Caceres chases him down

Edinson Cavani attempts to cross the ball into the area while surrounded by three players

Christian Rodriguez is put under pressure by Paraguay's Victor Caceres in the first-half

Paraguay's Victor Caceres goes to clear the ball upfield as Matias Vecino watches on

Luis Suarez backs into Paraguay defender Gustavo Gomez as he aims to keep possession

The Peruvians have not played at a World Cup since 1982 and now have qualification in their own hands with two games to spare.

They travel to Argentina, who they lead in the table only on goals scored, and then host Colombia, who are two points better off in third.

Chile face a huge battle to make next year's finals after losing away to Bolivia on Tuesday night.

The double Copa America champions host Ecuador and travel to Brazil in their final two games.

Uruguay's Nahitan Nandez fights for the ball with Paraguay's Junior Alonso

Paraguay's Angel Romero has eyes only for the ball as Martin Caceres pays close attention