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Goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Weiss was the hero as Maxi Araujo’s late goal earned Uruguay a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi goalkeeper made a string of saves to keep his side in front and was denied a clean sheet, with his player of the match performance succeeding in frustrating the two-time World Cup winners led by former Leeds boss Marcelo Bilsa.
Saudi Arabia looked on course to top Group H after first-round play when Abdullah Al-Amri pushed the ball into Fernando Muslera’s net late in the first half when the veteran goalkeeper could only keep out Mohamed Kanno’s header.
Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Al-Amri celebrates scoring his team’s opener
But Uruguay were much improved in the second half, with former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez’s half-time withdrawal adding more urgency. Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte had a shot against Al-Wais’ post on the hour.
But Araujo eventually scored as Al-Wes could only push another Federico Venus header into his path. Uruguay made it worth it and came close to a winner as Miami’s heat tired their opponents but they will feel they got away with how late the equalizer came.
Uruguay’s Maxi Araujo celebrates his team’s late equalizer against Saudi Arabia
Key moments from Miami…
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5: Al-Wais pushes a Vina snap-shot away from goal
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30: Al-Wais manages to make a save as Vinas heads towards goal
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38: Angley Al-Amri’s shot tips over Muslera
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41: Goal! Al-Amri took this opportunity to shock Uruguay
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60: Ugarte’s shot is deflected against the post by Al-Wais
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80: Goal! Araujo fired home to equalize at Angle
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90+3: Valverde’s shot is pushed around the post by Al-Wais
Analysis: Spotlight on Bielsa
It was not a repeat of Saudi Arabia’s famous win over Argentina in Qatar but it was significant. A bold point to cherish in Miami. Defeat Cape Verde and secure a place in the knockout stages for the first time since the 1994 World Cup.
Uruguay had a lackluster first half but injected more energy after the interval, with Fede Valverde moving into better positions with Agustin Canobio and Nicolas de la Cruz making an impact. Special goalkeeping displays were needed to keep them out.
For Bielsa there will still be questions about his initial team selection and results. But Araujo’s late goal would have tampered the fall-out. They, like Saudi Arabia, will feel they can still improve from this group. Just expect line-up changes against Cape Verde.
