Daniel Sturridge's goal in first-half stoppage time has given Team GB a 1-0 lead over Uruguay after 45 minutes at the Millennium Stadium.
Stuart Pearce's side require just a point to make sure they go though, so will progress as it stands at the expense of their South American opponents.
Scott Sinclair and stand-in captain Craig Bellamy both had efforts saved in the opening ten minutes, but from then on the hosts failed to test Uruguay keeper Martin Campana.
Swansea full-back Neil Taylor dragged a shot wide from 25 yards before his Welsh teammate Aaron Ramsey couldn't convert at the near post following a Bellamy cross.
Uruguay's potential dangerous front pair of Edison Cavani and Luis Suarez were largely ineffective.
In fact it was Suarez's Liverpool teammate Sebastian Coates who had Uruguay's best effort of the half when his unmarked header narrowly missed the target.
Just as it appeared that the two sides would enter the break goalless, Sturridge tapped in from close range following a smart turn and pass from Joe Allen in the box.
