Saudi Arabia earned a valuable point in their opening FIFA World Cup match after holding Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in Miami, ensuring all four teams in Group H ended the first round level on one point.
Hours after Cabo Verde frustrated Spain in Atlanta, Saudi Arabia produced a determined display of their own to deny Marcelo Bielsa’s side victory and keep the group wide open.
Uruguay arrived as favourites and controlled much of the first half, with the South Americans enjoying the bulk of possession and territory. Yet it was Saudi Arabia who struck first against the run of play.
The breakthrough came four minutes before half-time when a Saudi corner caused confusion in the Uruguay penalty area. Veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera failed to deal cleanly with the delivery, allowing defender Abdulelah Al Amri to react quickest and poke the ball home from close range.
The goal gave the Green Falcons a surprise lead and raised memories of their famous opening-day victory over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.
Uruguay emerged after the interval with renewed urgency and spent much of the second half camped inside the Saudi half. Federico Valverde, Darwin Nunez and Manuel Ugarte all helped increase the pressure as Bielsa’s side searched for a way back into the contest.
Saudi Arabia defended resolutely and looked on course for a famous victory, with goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais producing several important saves to preserve their advantage.
But Uruguay finally found the breakthrough ten minutes from time.
A Saudi defensive error allowed Maximiliano Araujo to capitalise after Al Owais could only parry the ball into danger, and the winger fired home the equaliser to rescue a point for La Celeste.
Uruguay continued to push for a winner during the closing stages, but Saudi Arabia held firm to secure a result that keeps their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds firmly alive.
The draw leaves Group H delicately poised after the opening round of fixtures. Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay all have one point, with qualification still very much in the balance heading into the second set of matches.
For Cape Verde, watching from afar after their historic draw with Spain, the result ensured that no side was able to gain an early advantage in what is rapidly becoming one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.
