The Socceroos were left to lament a late blunder from goalkeeper Brad Jones as Uruguay stole a 2-1 victory in Saturday night's international at Telstra Stadium.

Despite fielding eight players who were playing their first international on home soil, Australia did well to match their more experienced South American opponents in a fitting, and at times feisty, re-match of the Socceroos' famous World Cup playoff triumph in 2005.

But just as the home side looked to have Uruguay's measure, debutant Jones failed to handle a straight-forward cross from Uruguayan substitute Gulliermo Giacomazzi, gifting Inter Milan star Alvaro Recoba the simplest of winners in the 77th minute.

Mile Sterjovski, one of just five World Cup players in the side, gave the 62,000-strong crowd plenty to cheer about with the opening goal in just the sixth minute.

Diego Forlan equalised for the star-studded Uruguayans in the 40th.

Australia had several chances to break the deadlock in the second half, most notably in the 63rd when the Socceroos had two free men in the box only for Ryan Griffiths square ball to be cut off.

Scott McDonald also shot over the bar in the final 10 minutes as Australia threw everything forward to snatch an equaliser.

But despite a dominate opening 35 minutes, Australia was unable to claim victory.

Brett Emerton, who provided the cross for Sterjovski's goal, was arguably Australia's best.

But coach Graham Arnold would have no doubt been impressed with the composure shown by most of his younger players, the bulk of who were playing for a spot in the Socceroos' Asian Cup squad.

Arnold said during the week he had six spots open for the tournament in July and, after strong performances from the likes of McDonald, Carl Valeri, Brett Holman and Nicky Carle, he will have plenty to ponder before naming his 23-man squad in mid-June.

Sterjovski's early goal did wonders to settle any early nerves Arnold's kids might have had.

Luke Wilkshire released Emerton down the right flank.

Emerton whipped in a cross.

Uruguay, despite the presence of 'keeper Fabian Carini and experienced defenders Diego Lugano and Carlos Diogo, failed to clear the danger.

Lugano blocked both of Sterjovski's first two attempts, but could do nothing to stop the third strike from cannoning into the net.

Uruguay started to gain a foothold in the final 10 minutes of the half.

In the 35th, Lugano's header from a wicked Alvaro Recoba free-kick flew just wide of the left post.

Forlan equalised five minutes later when the Villareal striker sneaked in behind a sliding Patrick Kisnorbo to slot home Recoba's low cross.

Jones then had to make a fine save to keep the scores level at the half after Dario Rodriguez's header took slight deflection of Lucas Neill.

Jones continued to look safe in goal until his horror mistake which allowed Uruguay to grab some revenge from their defeat at Telstra Stadium 18 months ago.

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