World Cup semi-finalists Uruguay surged into a 3-1 lead at the break, but the Irish may have claimed a draw after they dominated the second period.

Keith Fahey pulled a goal back with a 48th-minute penalty before Andy Keogh somehow directed his back-post header into the side-netting with time ticking down.

"I was very, very happy for our performance after half-time," Trapattoni told Sky Sports 2.

"We recovered very well in the second half, we played with good personality.

"We played well. We had a good direction."

Diego Lugano handed the visitors the lead after 12 minutes which Shane Long cancelled out within three minutes.

But the Irish were caught out by superb finishes from Edinson Cavani and Abel Hernandez.

Trapattoni saw plenty of positives though, especially in rising star Long who excelled in the absence of veteran striker Robbie Keane.

He said: "Shane Long has played very, very well. He has matured a lot. We are happy because he was alone up front and did well.

"He helped the whole team, he made two or three fantastic actions.

"With the last second we could have even achieved a draw."

Stand-in skipper Stephen Kelly also found reason for cheer in his team's performance after the break.

"We knew they were a good side and that they would pass ball," he said.

"They caught us on a fast break twice. But when we conceded we stayed positive. There were a lot of positive performances and that gives the manager something to think about."

He added: "I was very proud to lead the lads out today.

"It is a pity about the result but otherwise it has been a good day for me."