Maxi Araujo’s late goal earned Uruguay a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia, with goalkeeper Mohamed Al Owais the hero.
The Saudi goalkeeper made back-to-back saves to keep his side at the forefront and while they were denied a clean sheet, his man-of-the-match performance was successful in frustrating the two-time World Cup winners led by former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa.
Saudi Arabia was aiming for first place in Group H after the first round, when Abdullah Al Amri hit the ball into Fernando Muslera’s goal late in the first half. Fernando Muslera succeeded in blocking Mohamed Canno’s header.
Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Al Amri celebrates his team’s opening goal
But Uruguay were much better in the second half, with added urgency after former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez was taken off at half-time. Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte then hit Al Owais’ shot on goal.
But Araujo finally scored after Al-Owais pushed another Federico Vinas header his way. Uruguay deserved it and were close to winners as the Miami heat wore their opponents down, but considering how late the equalizer came they will feel they escaped.
Uruguay’s Maxi Araujo celebrates scoring the late equalizer against Saudi Arabia.
Big moments in Miami…
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5: Al-Owais pushes Vina’s snapshot out of the goal.
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30: Vinas attempts a header, but Al Owais saves it.
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38: Al-Amri’s shot is tipped over by Muslera.
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41: target! Al-Amri used this opportunity to surprise Uruguay.
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60: Ugarte’s shot is hit against the post by Al Owais.
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80: target! Araujo fired a shot to equalize.
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90+3: Valverde’s shot is pushed around the post by Al Owais.
Analysis: Spotlight on Bielsa
This was not a repeat of Saudi Arabia’s famous victory over Argentina in Qatar, but it was significant nonetheless. This is a courageous point to cherish in Miami. It is the first time since the 1994 World Cup that they have advanced to the knockout stage by beating Cape Verde.
Uruguay had a poor first half but put in more energy after the break, bringing Fede Valverde into better areas and Agustín Canobio and Nicolas de la Cruz making an impact. It took a special goalkeeping display to stop them.
Questions will still linger about Bielsa’s initial team selection and the results. But the fallout would be eased by Araujo’s late goal. They will feel like Saudi Arabia can still progress in this group. Expect a lineup change against Cape Verde.
