Uruguay avoided an upset at the FIFA World Cup after Maxi Araújo struck 10 minutes from time to salvage a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia in a dramatic Group H encounter on Monday.Trailing for much of the contest despite dominating possession and creating a host of chances, La Celeste finally found a breakthrough in the 80th minute when Araújo pounced on a rebound and fired past goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais from close range.The equaliser completed Uruguay’s fightback after Abdulelah Al-Amri had stunned the two-time world champions with a first-half strike, leaving Saudi Arabia agonisingly close to another famous World Cup victory.
Saudi Arabia strike first and frustrate Uruguay
Saudi Arabia, whose memorable 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup remains one of football’s great shocks, once again threatened to upset one of the sport’s traditional powers.Al-Amri had already tested veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera before breaking the deadlock in the 41st minute. After Muslera parried away a header, the defender reacted quickest to tap home the rebound and send the Saudi supporters into celebration.The defender dropped to his knees and bowed his head to the turf as the green-clad fans, heavily outnumbered at Hard Rock Stadium in South Florida, made themselves heard.Saudi Arabia then relied on a disciplined defensive display and the heroics of Al-Owais to protect their lead.
Saudi Arabia’s Abdulelah Alamri (4) shoots and scores their opening goal against Uruguay. (AP Photo)
Araújo rescues dominant Uruguay
Uruguay controlled proceedings throughout the second half, finishing with 28 attempts compared to Saudi Arabia’s seven, but repeatedly found Al-Owais in inspired form.The Saudi goalkeeper denied Federico Viñas from point-blank range before producing another excellent save to keep out Manuel Ugarte’s effort in the 61st minute. Federico Valverde was also thwarted deep into stoppage time.But after nearly 80 minutes of frustration, Uruguay finally broke through. Araújo reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the area and blasted home the rebound 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 throws up more surprises
The draw capped an unexpected day in Group H. Earlier, tournament debutants Cape Verde held heavily fancied 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 of World Cup history. Uruguay hosted the inaugural tournament in 1930 and will stage a centenary match in 2030, while Saudi Arabia is set to host the competition in 2034.
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