Uruguay dominate but are held to 1-1 draw by resilient Saudi Arabia in World Cup opener.
MIAMI GARDENS, Florida: Maxi Araújo’s late equaliser spared Uruguay from defeat, but there was little celebration among La Celeste after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia in their opening match of the World Cup.
Despite dominating much of the second half and creating the better chances, Uruguay were forced to settle for a point after a sluggish first-half display left them chasing the game.
“We gave it away. We have to be honest,” said Federico Valverde after the match. “We reacted well in the second half, but we cannot afford to start games the way we did.”
Araújo’s leveller finally gave the largely Uruguay-supporting crowd in South Florida something to cheer about, as Marcelo Bielsa’s side rescued a draw after struggling to find their rhythm early on.
While the result avoided an opening defeat, Uruguay were left frustrated after controlling long stretches of the second half and failing to convert their superiority into a winning goal. The draw leaves Group H finely balanced heading into the next round of fixtures, with Uruguay knowing improvements will be needed if they are to progress comfortably.
“We gave away the first half,” Valverde added. “We didn’t play the way we had trained. It wasn’t what we were aiming for. We rushed things too much and tried to win the game in the opening minute. Sometimes you need more patience and simply trust your game. We improved a lot in the second half.”
Saudi Arabia took the lead in the 41st minute through Abdulelah Al-Amri, who reacted quickest to convert a rebound after Uruguay failed to clear their lines.
Uruguay eventually found a way back in the 80th minute when Maxi Araújo pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area, firing a close-range rebound past Mohammed Al-Owais to level the score at 1-1.
The equaliser capped a dominant second-half performance from Uruguay, but despite creating sustained pressure and controlling possession after the break, La Celeste were unable to find a winner and were left frustrated with a result they felt should have been three points.
Uruguay dominated possession and peppered the Saudi goal throughout the match, finishing with 29 attempts compared to just seven for their opponents. Despite controlling large stretches of the contest, La Celeste trailed until late in the second half before finally finding a breakthrough.
The goal was the fourth international strike for Maxi Araújo and his second at Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins.
Saudi Arabia had threatened earlier through Abdulelah Al-Amri, whose initial effort was denied by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera in the first half. However, the defender eventually broke the deadlock in the 41st minute, reacting quickest to tap home from close range after Muslera had parried a header into his path.
The goal gave Saudi Arabia an unexpected lead heading into the break and forced Uruguay to chase the game, setting the stage for Araújo’s late equaliser and a share of the points in Group H.
Al-Amri celebrated the breakthrough goal by dropping to his knees and bowing his head to the turf as a pocket of Saudi supporters erupted in celebration. Although heavily outnumbered by Uruguay fans at Hard Rock Stadium, the Green Falcons faithful made their presence felt throughout the match.
Echoes of a famous World Cup upset
For Saudi Arabia supporters, the result evoked memories of one of the most iconic moments of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, when the Green Falcons came from behind to shock Argentina national football team 2-1 in their opening match, handing Lionel Messi and the eventual champions a rare defeat.
Monday’s draw was far less dramatic, but Saudi Arabia will view it as another encouraging World Cup result. Led by a composed defensive display and several key saves from goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, the Green Falcons managed to keep two-time world champions Uruguay national football team at bay for 80 minutes.
While Uruguay left the field frustrated after dominating possession and chances, Saudi Arabia were far more satisfied with the outcome, having earned a valuable point against one of the tournament’s traditional powerhouses and strengthened their position in a tightly contested Group H.
“Uruguay are an extremely energetic side,” Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis said through an interpreter.
“The players are very experienced and they have significant depth across the squad. When you come up against an opponent of that quality, taking a point is a positive result.”
New coach encouraged by performance
Donis, who took charge of Saudi Arabia just two months ago following the dismissal of Hervé Renard, acknowledged that he is still getting to know his players and shaping the team in his image.
Despite the limited preparation time, the Greek coach said Monday’s display provided encouraging signs for the future.
“I need to get to know my team better,” Donis said. “I need to build a side that is competitive, and naturally that takes time. Today’s result gives us confidence and puts us in a stronger position moving forward.”
The draw extended a promising start to Donis’ tenure and offered further evidence that Saudi Arabia can compete with higher-ranked opponents, having matched Uruguay’s intensity and organisation for long periods despite spending much of the game without the ball.
Uruguay created enough opportunities to win the match but repeatedly found themselves denied by an inspired Mohammed Al-Owais. The Saudi goalkeeper produced a series of key saves, including a point-blank stop from Federico Viñas in the first half and a fingertip intervention to keep out Manuel Ugarte in the 61st minute.
Al-Owais was called into action again deep into stoppage time, thwarting a late effort from Federico Valverde to preserve Saudi Arabia’s valuable point.
Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa admitted his side failed to impose themselves despite their dominance in possession and chances.
“When a team that is expected to make the difference cannot do so, whether through controlling the ball or creating danger, then the weaker team gains the confidence to believe and take initiative,” Bielsa said through an interpreter.
Surprise results shake up Group H
The draw capped an unexpected opening day in Group H, which features Saudi Arabia national football team, Uruguay national football team, Spain national football team and Cape Verde national football team.
Uruguay entered the tournament as favourites to secure all three points against Saudi Arabia, but the Green Falcons’ disciplined defensive display and resilient goalkeeping performance ensured the group remains wide open after the first round of matches.
