Montevideo -- With two goals by Richard Morales in the last 20 minutes of the game, Uruguay defeated Australia 3-0 on Sunday and, after a 12-year absence, clinched the last berth to the 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea.

Australia's Mark Viduka (right) battles for the ball with Uruguay's, Pablo Garcia. Uruguay clinched the final WC spot.(AP)

Morales, who plays for the local club Nacional, came off the bench to become the key player in breaking the Australians.

He scored with a header in the 70th minute thanks to a floating pass off a free kick by star Alvaro Recoba, who plays for Italy's Inter.

In the last minute of regulation time, Recoba showed why he is one of the best-paid players in the world as he eluded two defenders and placed another perfect pass to Morales, who kicked the ball into the net.

Right from the very start of the match, the Uruguayans, coached by Victor Pua, went on the attack, trying to put their 1-0 loss in Melbourne behind them.

The South Americans dominated the midfield with an excellent display by Pablo Garcia, who pushed his teammates forward and intercepted the Aussie counterattacks.

Uruguay managed to spread the game to the sides with defender Mario Regueiro, who launched attacks from the left flank.

Pressure was also exerted by Recoba, who fired two long shots that put Australia's goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on alert.

Uruguay's strategy showed results in the 14th minute when Silva received a long pass, eluded defender Shaun Murphy and knocked a low shot into the twine.

After the goal, Australia's midfielders advanced further and Harry Kewell created two dangerous situations.

The beginning of the second half was balanced. Uruguay lost its edge and Australia controlled the ball, threatening the South Americans with several incursions by Josip Skoko and a header by Mark Viduka in the 64th minute which momentarily paralyzed the Uruguayans.

But Morales replaced Federico Magallanes in the 65th minute and quickly proceeded to put the icing on the cake for the Uruguayans.