SAINTS midfielder Gaston Ramirez was an unused sub as Uruguay closed in on the Confederations Cup semi finals by beating Nigeria 2-1 in Salvador over night.

Diego Forlan celebrated his 100th cap for Uruguay by thumping in the winner.

Forlan struck at the start of the second half after Jon Obi Mikel's 37th-minute strike had cancelled out Uruguay's opener, which came in the 19th minute courtesy of the much-maligned Diego Lugano.

The result left the two sides level on three points from two games in Group B but, with a game against Tahiti to come, Uruguay are in prime position to qualify alongside Spain, who have six points and will take on Nigeria in their final pool match.

Spain hammered Tahiti 10-0 last night.