KINGSTON, Jamaica — Luis Suarez struck twice to lead Uruguay 2-1 over England in the critical Group D match on Thursday.

Both teams on the brink of elimination fought desperately through the first half to gain the advantage.

Suarez grabbed his first goal sending Uruguay ahead in the 39th minute with a well taken header from a counter as England pressed for the opener. The half ended 1-0.

On the resumption the South Americans pushed back the English, missing two chances early on to lengthen their lead.

But England in the 75th minute drew level with a well worked goal starting in midfield with Daniel Sturridg who dismissed tackle after tackle to pass to Glen Johnson who crossed for Wayne Rooney to knock in.

However ten minutes later in a ding-dong battle Uruguay took the lead and the game through Suarez.

Suarez capitalised on a defensive error to  bury the ball into the English net and take the pressure off his team with the win.

Both teams lost their opening matches — Uruguay shocked by Costa Rica 3-1 and England beaten by Italy 2-1.