Miami: Uruguay were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia in their opening Group H match of the FIFA World Cup after Maxi Araujo scored a late equaliser to deny the Green Falcons a famous victory.
Saudi Arabia appeared on course for another major World Cup upset after defender Abdulelah Alamri gave them the lead shortly before halftime at Miami Stadium. However, Uruguay winger Araujo struck in the 80th minute to salvage a point for Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
The result leaves Uruguay frustrated, especially after European champions Spain were also held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde earlier in the day, presenting a chance for Bielsa’s men to take an early advantage in the group.
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Bielsa’s remarked that, “We had to win this match. There were periods in the first half where we didn’t do things right. It’s an opponent we should have beaten.” Uruguay started brightly and nearly took the lead inside five minutes when Araujo tested goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais with a low effort. Federico Vinas also came close with a diving header, but Saudi Arabia’s defence remained resilient.
The Saudis gradually grew into the contest and were rewarded in the 41st minute. Following a corner from Musab Aljuwayr, Mohamed Kanno’s powerful header was saved by Fernando Muslera, but Alamri reacted quickest to convert the rebound and put Saudi Arabia ahead.
Bielsa responded with two halftime substitutions, and Uruguay emerged with greater urgency. Manuel Ugarte came agonisingly close to equalising in the 60th minute when his strike beat Alowais but crashed against the post.
The pressure eventually paid off 10 minutes from full-time. Vinas’ header was once again denied by Alowais, but the rebound fell kindly for Araujo, who controlled the ball before firing home at the near post.
Uruguay pushed hard for a winner in the closing stages, with Federico Valverde and Jose Maria Gimenez both forcing excellent saves from Alowais, who played a crucial role in securing a valuable point for Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis praised his players’ determination after the match.
Donis stated that, “We were very tired at the end, but to play this type of game against this opponent and get a point is positive for us. I like the spirit and passion of my players, though I believe we can play even better.”
The draw boosts Saudi Arabia’s hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time since the 1994 tournament, while Uruguay will need a stronger performance in their remaining group fixtures to keep their campaign on track.
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