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Suarez goal gives Uruguay unconvincing win over Saudi Arabia
Luis Suarez earned three points for Uruguay with a goal that gave his side a 1-0 win over Egypt in Group A.
Uruguay now have six points to go level on points with Russia before their last match of the group between the two, which will decide who finishes top, though both teams are assured of playing in the knockout stages.
Saudi Arabia offered an improved performance in the first half after a dreadful showing in their 5-0 defeat to Russia in the opening game of the World Cup. They forced their opponents back into their own half with some drives forward, but they struggled to create any meaningful chances. It appears their most memorable contribution to the tournament will be their escape from disaster when their plane managed to land with a wing on fire.
Suarez’s goal, marking his 100th international appearance for his country, came when Mohammed Al-Owais flapped at a corner and missed it completely. It allowed Suarez to tap into an empty night, going some way as a riposte to critics who had pointed out his poor showing against Egypt.
Saudi Arabia’s hopes were further dented when Taiseer Al-Jassam pulled his hamstring just outside Uruguay’s box, but was prevented from leaving the pitch by coach Juan Antonio Pizzi, who forced him back on only to see Al-Jassam immediately sit on the turf before finally being substituted.
In the second half’s opening minutes, Suarez struck a free kick that forced Al-Owais into his most convincing save of the half, but he then blotted his copy yet again with a dreadful clearance into touch under no pressure. Saudi Arabia may use their third goalkeeper in three matches after his unconvincing showing.
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Edinson Cavani showed a rare moment initiative and quality when he displayed patience and technique to pick out Carlos Sanchez’s run at the back post midway through the half, but the winger wasted his chance with a poor header. His profligacy neatly summed up Uruguay’s stodgy, error-laden display. Cavani then wasted a one-on-one after making his own chance, as blunt as his teammates.
Monday’s match-up will decide who finishes top of the group, but with either Spain or Portugal likely to be their next opponents, there is no easy reward on offer. Uruguay will perhaps see the game as a vital opportunity to find some kind of rhythm after two victories where they showed little else but their own limitations.
URUGUAY 1-0 SAUDI ARABIA – OPTA STATS
Uruguay’s 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia means both the hosts Russia and Uruguay have qualified from Group A – they are the first two teams to qualify for the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup.
Saudi Arabia have now been eliminated at the group stages in four of the five World Cup Finals they have participated in; only making it to the last 16 in 1994 which was their debut in the competition.
Saudi Arabia have now failed to win any of their previous 12 World Cup matches (D2 L10), failing to score in nine of those games.
Uruguay have won all four of their World Cup matches against Asian opposition.
This was the eighth 1-0 win at the 2018 World Cup, equaling the total seen in the whole of the 2014 World Cup group stages.
Uruguay have now kept back to back clean sheets in the World Cup for the first time since a run of three in 2010.
Luis Suarez’s goal for Uruguay was the 25th scored from a set-piece scenario at this World Cup tournament, from a total of 44 goals (57%). At the 2014 World Cup saw 28.7% of goals from set-pieces.
Luis Suarez made his 100th appearance for Uruguay today versus Saudi Arabia, becoming the sixth Uruguayan to reach this landmark.
Luis Suarez has become the first Uruguayan player to score in 3 different editions of the World Cup (2010, 2014 & 2018).
Luis Suarez has been directly involved in eight of Uruguay’s last 15 World Cup goals (six goals, two assists).
79% of games at this year’s World Cup have been decided by one clear goal or less (15 out of 19), currently the highest ratio in any edition of the tournament.
