The Copa América champions Uruguay defeated Jamaica 1-0 in Antofagasta on Saturday in their opening Group B match.
Faced by quick, well-organised opponents, Uruguay struggled in the absence of Luis Suárez, who is serving a nine-match international ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini of Italy during the 2014 World Cup.
A goal by Cristian Rodríguez in the 52nd minute proved sufficient. The midfielder, who was the best player on the field, scored from close range after José Giménez had headed a free-kick across goal.
“My players were surprised,” the Uruguay coach, Óscar Tabárez, said. “We’re not used to the speed they showed, besides being well organised. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. There were things that didn’t work well.”
Rodríguez had Uruguay’s only real chance in the first half, forcing Duwayne Kerr to make a diving save in the 38th minute.
Christian Stuani should have doubled Uruguay’s lead in the 88th minute but fluffed an easy chance.
On Tuesday Uruguay face Argentina, who let slip a two-goal lead in being held to a draw by Paraguay.