Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay FIFA World Cup Result: Maxi Araújo’s late strike saves Uruguay, Saudi Arabia miss out on another famous victory

Uruguay’s Maxi Araujo celebrates scoring his team’s goal against Saudi Arabia. (AP photo) Uruguay avoided a World Cup upset 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.La Celeste, who held their own for most of the game despite dominating possession and creating a number of chances, finally found a breakthrough in the 80th minute when Araújo pounced on a rebound and fired past goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais from close range.An equalizer completed Uruguay’s fightback after Abdulelah Al-Amri stunned the two-time world champions with a first-half strike to leave Saudi Arabia agonizingly close to another famous World Cup win.

Saudi Arabia struck first and thwarted Uruguay

Saudi Arabia, whose memorable 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup remains one of football’s biggest shocks, once again threatened to upset one of the sport’s traditional powerhouses.Al-Amri had already tested experienced goalkeeper Fernando Muslera before breaking the deadlock in the 41st minute. After Muslera’s header was deflected, the defender reacted quickest to tap home the rebound to send the Saudi Arabia supporters into celebration.The defender dropped to his knees and bowed his head to the turf as the green-clad fans, who were heavily outnumbered at South Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium, made themselves heard.Saudi Arabia then relied on disciplined defending and the heroics of Al-Owais to protect their lead.

Saudi Arabia’s Abdulelah Alamri (4) shoots to score his opening goal against Uruguay. (AP photo)

Araújo rescues a dominant Uruguay

Uruguay controlled proceedings throughout the second half, finishing with 28 tries compared to Saudi Arabia’s seven, but repeatedly found Al-Owais in inspired form.The Saudi goalkeeper denied Federico Viñas from close range and produced another superb save to keep out Manuel Ugarte’s effort in the 61st minute. Federico Valverde was also thwarted deep into the stoppage time.But after nearly 80 minutes, Uruguay’s frustration finally broke through. Araújo was quickest to react to a loose ball inside the area and fired the rebound home for his side to claim 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 brings another surprise

A draw capped an unexpected day in Group H. Earlier, tournament debutants Cape Verde held heavily favored 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 host the centenary match in 2030, while Saudi Arabia is due to host the competition in 2034.