Oscar Tabarez has defended Luis Suarez for his poor performance in Uruguay's win over Egypt on Friday.

Jose Gimenez nodded home late to steal a 1-0 win for the South Americans. It may have been a completely different match had Suarez converted at least three clear cut chances.

The Barcelona star looked lethargic throughout the encounter, but Tabarez was happy with the effort from his striker.

"I don't know what happened but I will not speculate," Tabarez said in a postgame news conference. "I have seen many great players like [Lionel] Messi and [Diego] Maradona not living up to their potential in matches. It is not a sin.

"Suarez, as you say, was not playing as well as he normally does, but he had three scoring opportunities. The goalkeeper saved a couple of them. That happens to strikers.

"In good times, everything goes into the back of the net while at other times the goal seems smaller. As long as he gives his all, we are happy."