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England’s rivals Uruguay are living in fear of a World Cup jinx after Brazilian customs officials confiscated their favourite toffee spread.

Inspectors seized 80lbs of dulce de leche when the team jetted into the country on June 9 to set up in Sete Lagoas near Belo Horizonte.

Officials at Confins International Airport are still refusing to release the sweet treat - a favourite in several south American countries - because it lacks a health certificate.

The seizure has been blamed for Uruguay’s poor show in their opening match against Costa Rica on Saturday, which they lost 3-1 in a surprise defeat.

Leading Uruguayan newspaper El Pais fretted: “Uruguay’s 3-1 defeat in its World Cup debut could have another explanation: a lack of dulce de leche after Brazilian health authorities seized a consignment brought by the national team.”

A Uruguayan press agency added: “At times a defeat can be down to non-footballing things. Why not?”

The caramel-flavoured staple, used in everything from cake filling to toast spread, is expected to be held until after the World Cup.

Liverpool’s Luis Suarez, expected to start against England tomorrow, is thought to be a fan.