on 16 june 2013, forlán appeared as a 69th-minute substitute in uruguay's opening 2013 confederations cup match against spain. in uruguay's second group game, a match where won his 100th cap for his country, forlán scored the winning goal to defeat nigeria 2–1. he was subsequently rested for the next match against tahiti. he was again in the starting line-up as uruguay lost 1–2 to brazil in the semi-final, where he had a penalty kick saved by brazilian goalkeeper júlio césar.