Uruguay expected to power past a poor Saudi Arabia

Uruguay expected to power past a poor Saudi Arabia

Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia – Wednesday, June 20, 16:00BST/17:00CEST/18:00 MSK – Rostov Arena, Rostov-On-Don, Russia

Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia will take place at the Rostov Arena (Photo by Mladen ANTONOV / AFP)

Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia will take place at the Rostov Arena (Photo by Mladen ANTONOV / AFP)

Following on from Group A‘s matchday 1, this particular fixture could be a goal marathon. Uruguay needed a late winner to scrape past Egypt, however, they forged a number of opportunities. Saudi Arabia meanwhile, the Middle Eastern side were destroyed 5:0 by hosts Russia and looked a poor relation to The Green Falcons seen in 2006.

The South American’s huffed and puffed, but eventually in the last minute, they brought their Egyptian opponents’ house down – Jose Gimenez towered above everyone to grab a late game-winning header. Much had been made of the Uruguayan attack in the run-up to this tournament, but both Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani were well under par and it was left to the centre back to steal the headlines.

This matchup against an underwhelming Saudi Arabia could provide the opening needed for Uruguay to really set their stall out in this competition. Going by the opening group game Uruguay could match or even better the performance by group rivals Russia.

Prior to the opening day, the Saudi’s hadn’t been seen on the World Cup final stage since 2006. During that tournament, their opening fixture against Tunisia became their first point since a victory against Belgium way back at USA ’94. After missing the last two iterations of the competition they would have hoped for a better start than their humiliation at the hands of this year’s hosts.

Following their disappointment against Russia, the Saudi players are out to repair their damaged image. Midfielder, Taiseer Al-Jassam sees this game against Uruguay as the best possible opportunity.

“There is no doubt that facing the Uruguayan team is difficult and that it is known for its international stars, but we are determined to improve our image from the previous match and the joy of the Saudi fans, who supported us and stood with us and continue to do so.” Taiseer Al-Jassam – FIFA.com

Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia – Players to look out for:

Luis Suárez #9 – Uruguay (Barcelona)

It will be interesting to see just how the forward response to what was a disappointing personal display against Egypt. Looking short on fitness and misfiring in front of goal on a number of occasions, the 31-year-old will undoubtedly want to get his tournament off the mark with regards to goals. His chance could come against a poor Saudi opposition that collapsed on the opening day versus Russia.The Barcelona star often drops deep to fulfil a playmaker role for the national side – with 12 assists in 33 Spanish La Liga games this season, Suárez showed he can be relied upon to provide as well as score.

Luis Suarez somehow fires the ball into the side netting from close range  during the World Cup Group A match between Egypt and Uruguay. (Photo: HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images)

Mohammed Al Owais #22 –Saudi Arabia (Al-Ahli Jeddah)

The opening match of this tournament was one to forget for Saudi ‘keeper Yasser Al-Mosailem. Leaking five goals his performance was not well received back home, nor by the visiting Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman. Head coach, Juan Antonio Pizzi is expected to hand the gloves to Al Owais – although facing the attacking tandem of Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani may prove to be a more painful experience than that suffered by his colleague at the hands of the tournament hosts.

Mohammed Al Owais of Saudi Arabia, during the International Friendly match between Saudi Arabia and Italy on May 28, 2018 in St Gallen, Switzerland. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia – Match Stats

  • Uruguay have won all three of their previous World Cup games against Asian opponents, scoring five and conceding just once.
  • This is Saudi Arabia’s 15th game at a World Cup, but Uruguay will mark their first against a South American side.
  • Saudi Arabia have failed to score in eight of their last 10 World Cup games. They did not have a single shot on target in their opener against Russia.

Futbolgrad Network Prediction: Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia – 3-0

Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia – Lineups

Uruguay:

Formation: 4-4-2

Muslera – Caceres, Godin, Gimenez, Varela – Rodriguez, Vecino, Bentancur, Nandez – Cavani, Suarez.

Head Coach: Oscar Tabarez

Saudi Arabia:

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Al Owais – Al-Harbi, Omar Hawsawi, Osama Hawsawi, Al-Shahrani – Otayf – Al-Shehri, Al-Jassim, Al-Faraj, Al-Dawsari – Muhannad Assiri.

Head Coach: Juan Antonio Pizzi

Chris Williams is a freelance European football journalist. Primarily covering the Bundesliga, Premier League and both of UEFA’s European club competitions. Published in both local and international publications, he also contributes to television and radio across the globe. A member of the UK’s Sports Journalist Association and the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). Follow Chris Williams on Twitter @Chris78Williams

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