Quito  - A last-minute penalty converted by striker Diego Forlan sealed a crucial 2-1 comeback win for Uruguay Saturday in Ecuador to keep up their hopes of reaching the 2010 World Cup.

At high altitude in Quito, Manchester's Luis Antonio Valencia put Ecuador ahead in the 67th minute. However, Ecuador appeared confidently headed for South Africa for only two minutes, until Luis Suarez equalized off a Forlan cross.

In a nervous match, the referee failed to award Ecuador two penalties and missed another one for Uruguay.

The last-minute penalty was shrouded in controversy. Ecuador was complaining over an alleged penalty, arguing that Sebastian Eguren had handled the ball in the box.

Immediately afterward, three minutes into injury time, Ecuador keeper Marcelo Elizaga brought Edison Cavani down, and the referee awarded Uruguay a penalty that Forlan converted to make the score 2- 1.

Uruguay can qualify for the World Cup directly Wednesday at home by beating Argentina in Montevideo. Ecuador is currently out of the World Cup but can still hope ahead of a game against already- qualified Chile. (dpa)