Uruguay fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia in an entertaining World Cup clash in Miami, with Maxi Araujo scoring late to deny the resilient Green Falcons a famous victory.
Saudi Arabia, who stunned eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, looked poised for another upset after taking the lead shortly before half-time. Uruguay had dominated the opening stages, with Maxi Araujo and Federico Vinas both forcing saves from goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais, but they failed to turn their early pressure into goals.
The Saudis gradually grew into the game and nearly opened the scoring in the 38th minute when Hassan Al Amri tested veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera from a corner. Moments later, they struck. A dangerous delivery into the box was headed goalward by Mohammed Kanno, and although Muslera got a hand to it, Al Amri reacted quickest to slot home the rebound and give Saudi Arabia a 1-0 advantage.
The goal came on a historic night for Muslera, who at 39 years and 364 days became the oldest player ever to represent Uruguay at a World Cup, surpassing Diego Godin’s previous record.
Uruguay came out stronger after the break in search of an equaliser. Vinas headed narrowly wide, while Manuel Ugarte rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike from distance. Substitute Brian Rodriguez also came close as Marcelo Bielsa’s men pinned Saudi Arabia deep inside their own half.
Their persistence finally paid off in the 80th minute. Vinas rose highest to meet a cross, forcing Al Owais into a save he could only parry into danger. Araujo was perfectly positioned to tap in the rebound from close range and level the score.
Uruguay pressed hard for a winner in the closing minutes, but Al Owais stood firm, producing superb saves to deny Nicolas de la Cruz and Federico Valverde in stoppage time as Saudi Arabia held on for a valuable point.
Valverde was named Player of the Match after an energetic performance in midfield, while Saudi Arabia captain Salem Al-Dawsari praised his side’s display.
“It was a good start, and I believe we deserved to win. Step by step, we can qualify for the next round. We came here to win and go as far as possible, not just to take part. We hope to correct our mistakes in the next match so we can secure a victory and move closer to qualification,” he said.
