Uruguay did not get beyond a draw against Saudi Arabia at the start of the World Cup. After falling behind, the South Americans were on the verge of turning the game around, but were repeatedly thwarted by Saudi Arabia’s goalkeeper Al-Owais.
In the 1-1 (0-1) draw in Miami, Abdulelah Al-Amri took the lead after 41 minutes in humid temperatures for Saudi Arabia, which had beaten eventual world champions Argentina at the start four years ago. This time there was no surprise because Uruguay improved significantly after half-time and got a well-deserved equalizer through Maxi Araujo (80th). In addition, Saudi Arabia’s keeper Al-Owais thwarted numerous great opportunities for the opponent.
Manageable start in Miami
The South Americans, who had already failed in the preliminary round in Qatar four years ago, did not need long to finish for the first time in temperatures of more than 30 degrees. After five minutes, Araujo tested Al-Owais with his shot from the edge of the penalty area, which the Saudi Arabian keeper was able to save. As a result, “La Celeste” was slightly superior in terms of game shares. A lot of attacks came down the left side from Vina and Araujo, but there were no compelling chances. Saudi Arabia presented itself well-positioned tactically, but initially held back with offensive actions.
Because both teams avoided taking risks, it remained extremely uneventful. The tempo was manageable, and when a shot was thrown in, like from Al-Dawsari after a bad pass from Uruguay’s keeper Muslera, the accuracy was lacking (18th). Given the manageable level, the drinking break wasn’t all that inconvenient. Uruguay’s veteran coach Bielsa (71) definitely needed to talk. Except for Araujo’s early warning shot, his team was unimaginative offensively. Significantly: Nunez had only recorded two ball contacts in the attack after 20 minutes.
Saudi Arabia strikes after a corner
Nevertheless, the South Americans did more for the game and initially had the better chances: After a cross from the right, Araujo headed into the middle at the second post, but Vina’s subsequent flying header from six meters was too central (30th). Saudi Arabia slowly shed its reluctance – and suddenly had opportunities every minute. When Al-Amri finished from close range after a corner, Muslera was able to prevent the deficit with an outstanding save.
A little later, Uruguay’s keeper was also defeated in his 135th international match and one day before his 40th birthday. Saudi Arabia once again scored from a corner from the right, which Muslera only let bounce forward. Al-Amri didn’t miss the chance this time, pushed the shot over the line and punished the opponent’s previously too sedate performance. Uruguay pressed for an equalizer before the break, but Alo-Owais saved from Vina (45′) and Araujo (45’+1).
Uruguay presses for the equalizer
Bielsa made two changes at half-time, including taking the completely pale Nunez off the field. And apparently the coach had found the right words in the dressing room, because his team was now much more determined to work. Only the next strong save by Al-Owais prevented the early equalizer against Vinas’ tricky diving header (46′). A little later, Uruguay’s attacker was in the spotlight again when he headed a corner from a central position just past the left post (50th).
But Saudi Arabia was now under enormous pressure. Uruguay ran tirelessly against the ball and the opponent and became dangerous again after a corner: Al-Harbi was just able to block Olivera’s shot in front of the goal (54′). Given the opportunity advantage (9:5 shots on goal for Uruguay), the equalizer would have been deserved at this point. However, Ugarte was also missing the decisive centimeters, as his low shot from a good 20 meters from a half-right position failed at Al-Owai’s fingertips and the left post (60th).
Araujo lets Uruguay breathe a sigh of relief
Saudi Arabia continued to defend very disciplinedly with two back fours and was slowly starting to dream of a surprise. Then Uruguay finally rewarded themselves for the constant pressure. After a cross, Al-Owais could only deflect Vinas’ header to the side, where Araujo scored the well-deserved equalizer from close range. And of course “La Celeste” now ran and wanted to completely turn the tide.
Substitute Rodriguez’s powerful finish sent a murmur through the stadium, but the ball narrowly missed the right post (84′). On the other side, Saudi Arabia also got back into the offensive game after what felt like an eternity thanks to Abdulhamid’s long-range shot that was a little too high (87th). In stoppage time, Al-Owais saved his team the point with two more outstanding saves from de la Cruz and Valverde.
Uruguay now against Cape Verde
Uruguay continues again on Monday (00:00 CEST) in Miami against Cape Verde, who sensationally wrested a goalless draw from Spain at the start. Saudi Arabia will play against Spain in Atlanta on Sunday (6 p.m. CEST).