The visitors nearly took the lead when a free-kick by Salvador Cabanas forced a good save out of Uruguay goal keeper Sebastian Viera.

But the home side went ahead just before the half-hour mark when Ajax forward Luis Suarez went past Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar before passing to Diego Forlan, who tapped into the unguarded net.

Oscar Tabarez's side gained in confidence after taking the lead and extended their advantage early in the second half as Suarez sent in a free-kick that was turned home by defender Diego Lugano.

It was only the second defeat in 11 qualifying matches for Paraguay, who finished the game with 10 men after defender Julio Cesar Caceres had to be taken off two minutes from time with a muscle tear with coach Gerardo Martino have already made three substitutions.

Paraguay remained top of the qualifying group with 23 points although their lead was cut from seven points to four by Argentina, who defeated Venezuela 4-0, while Uruguay moved up to 16 points and edged ahead of Chile into fourth place on goal difference.

"It's not easy to beat Paraguay. Although we were able to defeat them today I still believe they are the best team in the qualifiers," said Uruguay coach Oscar Washington Tabarez.

Martino remains confident of qualification: "This does not change anything. We have to continue playing the same way."

Colombia defeated Bolivia 2-0 in heavy rain at the El Campin Stadium in Bogota.

Carlos Darwin Quintero set up playmaker McNelly Torres to volley home the opener after 27 minutes and Wason Renteria turned in a cross by Hugo Rodallega to double the advantage a minute from time.

With the win, Colombia moved up to sixth with 14 points, while Bolivia are second from last in the 10-team group with nine.

The 11th round of the South American qualifiers will conclude on Sunday with Ecuador hosting Brazil and Chile visiting last-placed Peru.