MONTEVIDEO, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Uruguay must negate Ecuador's attacking threat by defending with more players behind the ball when the sides meet in a World Cup qualifier, Celeste defender Jose Maria Gimenez said on Tuesday.

The two-time World Cup winners were dominant for much of their 4-2 home victory over Bolivia on Sunday but suffered from defensive lapses that allowed Marcelo Moreno to score two late goals.

"More than mistakes, they are lapses of concentration," Gimenez told a virtual news conference ahead of Uruguay's clash against Ecuador here on Thursday.

"Some people tell you that the defense made mistakes, but the back four and the goalkeeper are not the only ones responsible for defending," he said.

Gimenez said the Celeste were particularly vulnerable when attacking in numbers, a hallmark of manager Oscar Tabarez's strategy in recent years.

"The whole team has to play its part. We have shown that we like to play a lot in the opponent's half and that can make it difficult. These are all tough games that can generate a lot of mental stress and one lapse in concentration in a close match could cost us dearly," he said.

Uruguay are currently fourth in the 10-team South American zone qualifying standings with 12 points from eight matches, one point behind third-placed Ecuador. Enditem

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