Few chances, few highlights, no winner: South Korea teases Uruguay and earns a point. But the aluminum saved twice.
Uruguay and South Korea started the 2022 World Cup in Qatar on Thursday (November 24th, 2022) with a goalless draw. In a game that had been uneventful for a long time, South Korea was more committed throughout the entire season, the rather disappointing Uruguayans failed twice at the post. Anything is still possible for both of them in the race for the round of 16, the other teams in Group H are Ghana and Portugal. The 0-0 draw between Uruguay and South Korea was the fourth 0-0 draw of the tournament overall.
Suarez, Valverde and Co. are struggling
There were initially not many highlights in the duel between the two challengers from group favorite Portugal. And that was mainly due to Uruguay. The South Americans, who had started the game as favourites, clearly struggled against the well-organized South Koreans and had great problems getting into the game at all.
Despite well-known offensive forces such as Darwin Nunez from Liverpool FC, Federico Valverde from Real Madrid or the eternal Luis Suarez, successful combinations remained scarce. Significant: Diego Godin missed the best chance after a corner (43rd). His header hit the post.
South Korea does not reward itself
And South Korea? Captain Heung-Min Son’s side looked much fresher and bolder than Uruguay, but coach Paulo Bento’s team failed to score either. Center forward Ui-Jo Hwang should have rewarded the good performance, but his shot from almost ten meters flew over the goal (34th). South Korea was the slightly better team at halftime. Since the game shares were ultimately balanced, the 0-0 at the break was fine.
South Korea and Uruguay shy away from the risk
Not much changed in the second round either. South Korea remained the more active team without becoming really dangerous. The Uruguayans threw in long balls again and again and hoped for a stroke of genius from their attacking prominence. However, the officially 40,000 spectators in the Education City Stadium in Al-Rayyan did not see any real and top-class chances at first. Since neither team took full risks, both defensive lines were secure and allowed little or nothing.
Valverde also hits the post
After a little over an hour, Uruguay coach Diego Alonso then pulled another old master out of the hat with Edson Cavani. The 35-year-old, who came on for Suarez, occasionally flashed his class and revived the offensive, but he was no longer able to make the lucky punch.
The Uruguayans were close to victory, increasing the tempo in the final stages, but then they did: Valverde plucked up courage just before the end of regular time and shot from around 25 meters (90′). But since his shot also hit the post, nothing changed in the result. Ultimately, both teams could probably live with the point, but the draw is more of a success for South Korea.
For the Asians, the duel against Ghana continues on Monday (November 28th, 2022), Uruguay meets group favorite Portugal.