Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay - 2026 FIFA World Cup result as Maximiliano Araujo ensures shares are spoiled after Abdulelah Al-Amri's opener

ARAUJO SPARES URUGUAY BLUSHES WITH LATE EQUALISER

Maximiliano Araujo’s 80th minute goal ensured Uruguay at least left their opening clash against Saudi Arabia with a point.

The two-time World Cup winners were poor in the first half and Saudi Arabia, though attacking less frequently, did so with more panache and were rewarded with Abdulelah Al-Amri's opener, after Fernando Muslera parried Mohamed Kanno's header, four minutes before the break.

Uruguay emerged a far more purposeful outfit and forced goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais to nine saves in all, though he could only look and hope as Manuel Ugarte’s low drive came back off the post from 25 yards out on the hour mark.

Unfortunately, when the South Americans finally got level, Al-Owais should have done better than pushing Federico Vinas’ effort to Araujo who slotted home from a narrow angle, six yards out.

La Celeste boss Marcelo Bielsa would have faced heavy criticism had the equaliser not arrived, but he is likely to still face some fan ire after immediately removing the goalscorer immediately after the goal went in.

Al-Owais still had time to tip wide a typical low curling effort from Federico Valverde before the final whistle went to confirm the second draw in Group H - after Cabo Verde’s incredible draw with Spain earlier.

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