Uruguay avoided an upset. FIFA World Cup Maxi Araujo struck 10 minutes from time to earn a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia in a dramatic Group H encounter on Monday.Despite dominating possession and creating plenty of chances at the back for most of the contest, La Celeste finally got a breakthrough in the 80th minute when Araujo pounced on a rebound and fired past goalkeeper Mohamed El Owais from close range.The equalizer completed Uruguay’s fightback after Abdullah Al-Amiri stunned the two-time world champions with a first-half strike, leaving Saudi Arabia close to another famous World Cup victory.
Saudi Arabia attacked first and frustrated Uruguay.
Saudi Arabia, whose monumental 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup is one of football’s great shocks, has once again threatened to upset one of the game’s traditional powerhouses.Almeri tested veteran goalkeeper Fernando Maslera before breaking the deadlock in the 41st minute. After Muslera deflected a header away, the defender reacted quickly to tap home the rebound to send the Saudi supporters into celebration.The defender dropped to his knees and bowed his head to the turf as the green-clad fans at South Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium, teeming with cheers, heard themselves.Saudi Arabia then relied on a disciplined defensive display and the bravery of Al-Awais to protect their lead.
Abdullah Al Marri (4) of Saudi Arabia scored his first goal against Uruguay. (AP Photo)
Araujo saved a dominant Uruguay
Uruguay controlled proceedings in the second half, finishing with 28 attempts to Saudi Arabia’s seven, but found Al Owais in impressive form time and time again.The Saudi goalkeeper stopped Federico Vinas from point-blank range before producing another superb save to keep out Manuel Ugarte’s effort in the 61st minute. Federico Valverde was also fouled deep in stoppage time.But after nearly 80 minutes of frustration, Uruguay finally got the breakthrough. Araujo was quick to react to a loose ball inside the area and rebounded home to earn his side a share of the spoils.It was the winger’s fourth international goal and his second strike at Hard Rock Stadium, home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.
Group H added more surprises.
The draw capped off an uneventful day in Group H. Earlier, tournament debutants Cape Verde heavily favored Spain to a goalless draw in Atlanta, leaving all four teams level after the opening round of matches.Monday’s clash also brought together different eras in World Cup history. Uruguay hosted the inaugural tournament in 1930 and will play a centenary match in 2030, while Saudi Arabia is due to host the competition in 2034.
