Maxi Araujo’s late purpose salvaged a 1-1 draw for Uruguay towards Saudi Arabia as goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais was the hero.
The Saudi goalkeeper made a string of saves to maintain his aspect in entrance and whereas the clear sheet was denied him, his player-of-the-match efficiency succeeded in irritating the two-time World Cup winners led by former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa.
Saudi Arabia had seemed heading in the right direction to seek out themselves high of Group H after the primary spherical of video games when Abdulelah Al-Amri poked the ball into Fernando Muslera’s web late within the first half after the veteran goalkeeper may solely parry Mohamed Kanno’s header.
However Uruguay have been a lot improved within the second half, including better urgency following the half-time withdrawal of ex-Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez. Manuel Ugarte of Manchester United had a shot tipped towards the put up by Al-Owais on the hour.
However Araujo lastly scored after Al-Owais may solely push one other Federico Vinas header into his path. Uruguay have been nicely value it and have been near a winner as Miami’s warmth drained their opponents however will really feel they escaped given how late the equaliser got here.
Uruguay’s Maxi Araujo celebrates his aspect’s late equaliser towards Saudi Arabia
The important thing moments from Miami…
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5: Al-Owais pushes a Vina snap-shot away from purpose
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30: Vinas heads at purpose however Al-Owais is ready to save
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38: Al-Amri’s shot on the angle is tipped over by Muslera
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41: GOAL! Al-Amri takes this opportunity to stun Uruguay
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60: Ugarte’s shot is tipped towards the put up by Al-Owais
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80: GOAL! Araujo fires dwelling on the angle to equalise
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90+3: Valverde’s shot is pushed across the put up by Al-Owais
Evaluation: Highlight on Bielsa
This was not a repeat of Saudi Arabia’s well-known win over Argentina in Qatar however it’s important, however. A gutsy level to cherish in Miami. Beat Cape Verde and a spot within the knockout phases might be theirs for the primary time for the reason that 1994 World Cup.
Uruguay have been poor within the first half however injected extra vitality after the interval, getting Fede Valverde into higher areas with Agustin Canobbio and Nicolas de la Cruz amongst these making an affect. It wanted a particular goalkeeping show to maintain them out.
There’ll nonetheless be questions for Bielsa, over his preliminary crew choice and the consequence. However the fall-out might be tempered by that late Araujo purpose. They, like Saudi Arabia, will really feel they will nonetheless progress from this group. Simply anticipate line-up adjustments towards Cape Verde.
