Sebasian Abreu broke the deadlock after 22 minutes but Uruguay's hopes suffered a blow seven minutes before the interval when defender Diego Lugano elbowed Gerardo Torrado in the area.

Lugano, who missed the last spot kick against Brazil in the semi-final, was sent-off and the referee awarded a penalty to Mexico.

Cuauhtemoc Blanco stepped up and successfully converted the ball into the back of the net.

Omar Bravo put Mexico ahead eight minutes past the hour mark and substitute Andres Guardado ensured the victory seven minutes later.