Uruguay badly missing Luis Suarez launched their Copa America defence with a 1-0 win over Jamaica on Saturday with Atletico Madrid winger Cristian Rodriguez scoring the only goal.

Rodriguez -- nicknamed "The Onion" -- pounced early in the second half to give Uruguay an important opening victory in Group B ahead of tougher challenges to come against Argentina and Paraguay.

Uruguay, surprise winners of the 2011 tournament in Argentina, are fielding a new-look side in Chile under the guidance of long-serving coach Oscar Tabarez.

The absence of Barcelona star Suarez, who is still serving his international ban for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup last year, has deprived La Celeste of their most potent attacking weapon.

Suarez had sought to rally his team-mates shortly before Saturday's game in the northern Chilean city of Antofagastas, taking to Twitter to voice his support.

"Everyone in Uruguay is behind you...Vamos Uruguay, VAMOSSS!!!," he tweeted.

Suarez's absence was all too apparent during a lacklustre opening 45 minutes at the 21,000-capacity Antofagasta Regional Stadium.

Uruguay barely created a chance against Jamaica, one of two teams from the North America, Central America and Caribbean zone (CONCACAF) invited to take part in the Copa America.

Uruguay finally broke the deadlock seven minutes after the break with a cleverly worked set-piece routine.

Boca Juniors midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro floated a free-kick from wide on the left for defender Jose Maria Gimenez, who lost his marker to head back into the area for Rodriguez, now on loan with Brazilian side Gremio, to finish.

Jamaica, whose squad is made up largely of players based in Major League Soccer and England, rarely looked like threatening the Uruguay defence.

Their best chance came five minutes from time when New York Red Bulls defender Kemar Lawrence saw his free-kick from 20 yards turned over the bar by Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.