The 'Selecao' won in the Centenario stadium for the first time in 33 years and also clinched their first triumph as visitors in World Cup qualifiers against the 'Charruas'.

Brazil took advantage of their only two chances in the first half but were the stronger side despite Washington Tabarez's team wasting several decent chances.

After struggling during the opening stages Brazil took the lead when Barcelona's Dani Alves shot from outside the box and goalkeeper Sebastian Viera failed in his attempt to control the ball with his chest.

Jorge Martinez almost equalised with a cross, but Dani Alves cleared off the line before Sebastian Eguren brushed the post with a header.

It was Brazil who added to their score though, Juan connecting with Elano's cross in the 32nd minute to double their advantage.

Julio Cesar was twice called into action just before the break and was able to save on both occasions when first Alvaro Pereira and then Luis Suarez found themselves in one-on-one situations.

Brazil made it three on the counter-attack shortly after the restart when Luis Fabiano beat Viera, but they were reduced to 10 men on the hour when the same man was adjudged to have dived in the area and picked up his second yellow of the match.

Kaka netted a fourth with a penalty before Maximiliano Pereira evened up the numbers, the midfielder shown the red card after he axed down Ramires.

The result means Brazil take the lead in the South American group with 24 points alongside Paraguay, who host Chile tomorrow.

Uruguay remain in the fifth spot with 17 points.

Brazil coach Dunga believed his team was the only side interested in taking all three points and that is what led to their big win.

"The match was won by the only team that wanted to play," he said.

"There is not too much to say when you win a game 4-0. We were well balanced in attack and defence because the players gave the best of themselves.

"Uruguay played better in the Morumbi than today. They made a lot of errors and played hard even when they did not have the ball. They made a mistake there. For us it was crucial to rotate the ball constantly."

Uruguay boss Washington Tabarez recognised Brazil's superiority and stressed that beating Venezuela in the next round will now be crucial.

"I do not know if it was the hardest defeat to take. I didn't expect this. We have to bounce back against Venezuela or things will get complicated," he said.

"Brazil won fairly. They were efficient. They have a great defence. The goalkeeper was crucial also.

"During the first half we fought for the match. We made our moves, but we were not able to score. In the second, we made mistakes attacking with more force than intelligence."