Uruguay got their Copa America tournament off to the perfect start as they beat Jamaica 1-0 thanks to a strike from Cristian Rodriguez.

Jamaica started the stronger of the two sides and got into their passing rhythm to carve out an opening for Rodolph Austin, but his strike from 25 yards sailed over the crossbar.

La Celeste hit back with an opening as Nicolas Lodeiro advanced with the ball and he was allowed to shoot from distance, but his strike was saved with ease by Duwayne Kerr.

Winfried Schafer's side continued to dominate possession and Jobi McAnuff almost broke the deadlock with a neat turn and shot at goal, but his effort was well saved by Fernando Muslera.

Cristian Rodriguez could have handed Uruguay the lead when he latched onto a ball in the box and turned to shoot low towards the bottom corner, only to be denied by a good save from Kerr.

At the other end of the pitch, Darren Mattocks raided past Diego Godin and was through on Muslera's goal, but he lost his composure at the vital moment, which allowed the keeper to gather the ball.

In the second half, Uruguay took the lead as Lodiero launched a cross into the box which was headed into the path of Rodriguez, and he made no mistake in firing the ball past Kerr.

Schafer's side had a great chance to equaliser when Austin launched a ball forward and Alvaro Pereira failed to clear, presenting an opening to Giles Barnes but he curled his strike past the post.

Jamaica threatened again as Lance Laing raided down the flank and lifted the ball into the box for the run of Barnes, but the former Derby County man could only guide his header wide of the target.

Kemar Lawrence carved out an opening for his side as he whipped in a dangerous ball from the left, but Laing was unable to convert his volley at the back post.

La Celeste had the chance to put the game beyond doubt when Christian Stuani was teed up for an open goal by Diego Rolan, but the forward blazed his strike over the bar, although his side managed to hold out for the three points.