Araujo's late equaliser denies Saudi Arabia another famous World Cup upset

Maxi Araujo’s 80th-minute equaliser denied Saudi Arabia a second famous World Cup victory as Uruguay came from behind to draw 1-1 in Miami on Thursday, leaving Group H with all four sides level on one point.

The Saudis, who stunned eventual champions Argentina in their opening match at the 2022 World Cup, looked set to repeat that feat after centre-back Abdulelah Al-Amri broke the deadlock in the 41st minute. Al-Amri reacted quickest to turn in the rebound after goalkeeper Fernando Muslera had kept out Mohamed Kanno’s header from a corner — the same set-piece routine that had already tested Muslera three minutes earlier.

Uruguay were largely subdued in the first half, with Federico Vinas’ header comfortably saved by Mohammed Al-Owais their only genuine chance before the break. The two-time World Cup winners dominated possession after the interval but struggled to find a way through a disciplined Saudi backline. Manuel Ugarte came closest in the hour mark, striking the post with a low effort from distance.

The pressure finally told with ten minutes remaining. Vinas’ header drew another save from Al-Owais, but Araujo was on hand to steer the loose ball home from close range and level the contest.

Uruguay pushed for a winner in the closing stages. Substitute Brian Rodriguez curled wide from the edge of the box, and Al-Owais produced excellent stops from Nicolas de la Cruz and Federico Valverde deep into stoppage time to preserve the draw.

The result extends an eye-catching run for AFC nations at this World Cup: teams from Asia’s football confederation are now unbeaten in their first five matches, all played against European or South American opposition.

The draw also has significant implications in Group H. Cape Verde held Spain to a goalless draw in the other fixture, meaning all four sides share one point. Uruguay sit top on goal difference, with Saudi Arabia second, Cape Verde third, and Spain — widely regarded as favourites for the tournament — propping up the group in fourth.