Cavani and Pellistri sparkle for Uruguay
It was a productive night for Manchester United's South American contingent as the latest round of World Cup qualifiers came to an end.
Uruguay have been under intense pressure and parted company with long-serving coach Oscar Tabarez after four successive defeats. However, a 1-0 win over Paraguay boosted hopes of qualification and this has been followed up with a 4-1 defeat of Venezuela.
The three points take the nation into fourth spot in the table, with both Facundo Pellistri and Edinson Cavani starting for Diego Alonso's side.
Tottenham new boy Rodrigo Bentancur got the ball rolling in the first minute before some magical wing-play from Pellistri allowed Giorgian De Arrascaeta to double the lead.
Pellistri, on loan at Alaves from the Reds, was lively but Cavani took centre stage with a well-executed bicycle kick to make it 3-0 before half-time.
Luis Suarez grabbed number four from the penalty spot, after a retake, with Pellistri the man to earn the spot-kick when being fouled inside the box. Pellistri was brought down from behind by Ronald Hernandez, with the referee awarding the spot-kick after being told to review the incident by VAR.
Pellistri and Cavani were withdrawn on 68 minutes with the job done.
"Very proud to represent my country again," posted Pellistri on social media. "I am living a dream and that is how I will remember it for all my life."
Josef Martinez managed a consolation for Venezuela but Uruguay's fate is now in their own hands ahead of their final two qualifiers with Peru and Chile in March.
Meanwhile, Alex Telles started at left-back for Brazil in a convincing 4-0 success against Paraguay, stretching their unbeaten run in the 2022 qualifying stage to 15 games.
The Selecao have already clinched a place in the finals in Qatar later this year and decided to give Fred a rest, as he was an unused substitute.
Telles appeared in a much-changed line-up and helped his side keep a clean sheet.
Leeds United's Raphinha scored after 93 seconds but the goal was ruled out by VAR. The winger then netted again with a legitimate strike and the second half proved to be a one-sided affair.
Philippe Coutinho, currently on loan at Aston Villa, scored a wonderful long-ranger before Ajax's Antony got in on the act. Rodrygo tapped in the fourth for a team reckoned to be one of the favourites to lift the trophy come December.