Favorite terror strikes again
Former world champion despairs of Saudi goalkeeper
Updated June 16, 2026 – 2:17 amReading time: 2 minutes
Four years ago, Saudi Arabia won against Lionel Messi and Co., this time Uruguay dropped points against the outsiders. Which is mainly due to the Saudi goalkeeper.
First harmless, then angry: thanks to Maxi Araujo, Uruguay avoided a terrible false start to the World Cup. The “Celeste” still got a point after a final spurt in the second half in the 1-1 (0-1) draw against Saudi Arabia, the “Green Falcons” had already dreamed of the sensation after a goal from Abdulelah Al-Amri (41st). But then the Uruguayans, who had been disappointing for a long time, turned up the heat and Araujo (80th) prevented the defeat. The Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais played a major role in the South Americans not turning the game around completely.
In Qatar, Saudi Arabia sensationally beat Argentina’s future world champions led by Lionel Messi 2-1 at the start of the World Cup, but this time there was no big surprise. The draw means that Uruguay and Saudi Arabia are now together at the top of Group H. Uruguay will face Cape Verde in the next game (June 22nd), while Saudi Arabia will face European champions Spain (June 21st).
Uruguay is presenting itself with a new look at this World Cup, the old masters Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani (both 39) have had their day. Instead, captain Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United) and Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham Hotspur) should lead the team – and let the embarrassing preliminary round exit in 2022 be forgotten.
That’s how the game went
Uruguay’s fans were certainly hoping for power football, but in the sauna in Miami the team initially only came out of idle mode far too rarely. Aggressive pressing? Fast switching? Scoring chances? Except for a header from Federico Vinas (30th), Uruguay hardly posed any danger for a long time. Without the big rousing moments on the pitch, the spectators in the stands entertained themselves a bit with “La Ola”.
And because the favorites offered little, the “Green Falcons” from Saudi Arabia became more and more courageous and looked for their own chances on the offensive. After a corner, Al-Amri took advantage of the confusion in Uruguay’s defense and goalkeeper Fernando Muslera had no chance with the close-range effort.
For the second half, Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa, who is reverently called “El Loco” (“the crazy one”), made a change, brought in fresh players and the game changed. Uruguay suddenly appeared more determined, more determined, and forced chances. Ugarte (60th) hit the post, the pressure increased – and Maxi Araujo used a goal after Al-Owais had fended off a header to equalize.