Saudi Arabia and Uruguay played to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup Group H opener on Monday in Miami. The match was decided by goalkeeping errors from both sides, preventing a potential upset for the Gulf nation.
Uruguay dominated the first half, but Saudi Arabia took the lead against the run of play in the 41st minute. Abdulelah Al Amri scored on a rebound after Uruguay's Fernando Muslera made a costly error on a set-piece, parrying the ball into Al Amri's path.
Uruguay spent the majority of the second period in Saudi Arabia's half searching for an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 80th minute when goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais made an error, allowing Maxi Araujo to fire home and salvage the draw.
The result leaves Group H finely poised after Spain's earlier goalless draw with Cape Verde, with all four teams now on one point each. Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis stated that he had not been in charge long enough to ensure the squad had the tactical flexibility needed to deal with the experienced Uruguay side.