Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay: Araujo rescues point for two-time World Cup winners

Saudi Arabia displayed a monumental defensive effort to grab an impressive draw against a Uruguay side who improved hugely as the game went on a stifling World Cup encounter at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Uruguay headed into this game having not played any preparation friendlies since March and having had constant chaos behind the scenes, they played out the first half of this contest like a team going that had experienced just that.

A slow and disjointed display was punished by the Saudi’s when a header from Hassam Al-Tambakti was parried by goalkeeper Fernando Muslera straight into the path of Abduleah Al-Amiri, to potentially set up yet another shock in Group H.

Maxi Araujo was on hand to rescue a point for Uruguay with 10 minutes to spare, as all four countries in their group sit level on a single point and have it all to play for heading into the next round of fixtures.

Uruguay started proceedings in a fashion un-typical of Bielsa, they tried to draw Saudi Arabia out in the opening stages. The South Americans forced an early save from keeper Mohammed Al-Owais curtsey of a Maxi Araujo.

The two-time winners looked disjointed as the game grew on and Saudi Arabia continued to look dangerous on the counter-attack, yet both sides failed to make any impact by the time of the first hydration break.

Early on it was Uruguay who had all the chances as they tested Al-Owais once again when Federico Vinas ’ diving header from around the penalty spot was acrobatically parried away.

Saudi Arabia enjoyed a good spell before the break which accumulated in two good openings, first for Musab Al-Juwayr who forced a strong save from the veteran keeper Fernando Muslera before another cross was hardly delt with as Uruguay’s defensive frailties were tested as the Saudi’s continued to look strong especially on the left hand side with Abdul Al-Shamat.