Uruguay battled back to draw 1-1 with Saudi Arabia in a pulsating Group H clash, finishing with 28 shots as Marcelo Bielsa’s side pressured for a late winner.
Saudi Arabia took a surprise lead just before halftime when Abdulelah al-Amri bundled home after Hassan al-Tambakti’s header was parried by Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Bielsa responded with two halftime changes including substituting Darwin Núñez and the tactical switch paid off as Ronald Araújo headed in an equaliser with 10 minutes remaining. Saudi keeper Mohammed Al Owais produced a heroic saving display, making nine stops and tipping a late Federico Valverde effort around the post to preserve the draw.
The result keeps Group H wide open following Cape Verde’s shock draw with Spain, while Saudi Arabia chase their first World Cup knockout berth since 1994. A key subplot was Núñez’s subdued outing: the former Liverpool forward has struggled for club minutes since February after being omitted from Al-Hilal’s squad following Karim Benzema’s arrival, and he managed just eight touches before being withdrawn. Uruguay looked markedly stronger after his exit, leaving questions over whether Bielsa will recall him against Cape Verde as the group stage tightens.
