News Focus
- Uruguay rescue a point with an 80th-minute equaliser in Miami
- Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Al-Owais produces a man-of-the-match display
- Abdulelah Al-Amri had given the Green Falcons a first-half lead
- The draw keeps both teams in contention for the knockout stage
- Marcelo Bielsa’s side struggle in the heat before late revival
Maxi Araujo struck late to earn Uruguay a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia in a thrilling Group H clash at the Hard Rock Stadium. The match will be remembered for an outstanding goalkeeping performance from Mohammed Al-Owais.
The Saudi stopper denied the South Americans repeatedly with a series of brilliant saves. His heroics looked set to secure a famous victory for the Green Falcons until Araujo found the net ten minutes from time.
Saudi Arabia took the lead four minutes before half-time. Abdulelah Al-Amri reacted quickly to score after Fernando Muslera had pushed out a header from Mohamed Kanno. The goal silenced the large crowd in Miami.
Marcelo Bielsa made changes at the break. The Uruguay boss removed Darwin Nunez and his side looked sharper after the restart. Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte nearly levelled on the hour, but Al-Owais tipped his drive onto the woodwork.
The breakthrough finally came when Araujo smashed home the rebound after Al-Owais had parried a header from Federico Vinas. Uruguay pushed for a winner in the closing stages but the Saudi keeper produced another fine stop to deny Fede Valverde in added time.
The result leaves both nations with work to do to reach the last 16. Saudi Arabia must now beat Cape Verde in their final group game to stand a chance of progressing. Uruguay will also need a positive result against the same opponents.
Bielsa will face questions about his starting eleven after a flat first-half showing. However, the late goal keeps their hopes alive in the tournament. The heat in Miami clearly affected both sets of players, but Al-Owais remained cool under pressure throughout.