Uruguayan media unanimous that match rustiness cost Nunez in World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia

Darwin Nunez endured a difficult World Cup debut as Uruguay were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia in Miami, with the striker hauled off at half-time by head coach Marcelo Bielsa after a listless first-half showing.

Saudi Arabia took the lead through Abdulelah Al-Amri on 41 minutes, and Bielsa responded at the break by withdrawing both Nunez and Matias Vina. The changes had an immediate effect: Uruguay dominated the second period and levelled through Maxi Araujo on 80 minutes, though they were unable to find a winner.

Uruguayan media were largely in agreement about the root cause of Nunez’s struggles. El Observador wrote that “he showed the effects of the lack of competition he had suffered throughout the year,” while La Diaria noted that both Nunez and Vina “left the pitch with the feeling that they lacked match fitness and competitive edge,” adding: “Nunez, as we know, because he had been out of action for too long.”

La Pais awarded him a 4/10 rating, though offered some mitigation: “The striker received little support, which meant he didn’t have the desired impact in the Saudi Arabian penalty area, although his movement did create space for [Federico] Vinas.” Fan ratings on the same platform were similarly unforgiving, with the majority of voters placing him at 4/10 or 5/10 or lower.

Nunez’s lack of sharpness traces back to a troubled spell at Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League club he joined from Liverpool last summer. His situation worsened when the club signed Karim Benzema, pushing him further down the squad hierarchy. His contract was subsequently terminated by mutual consent, leaving him a free agent heading into the tournament.

His exit from Al-Hilal has prompted speculation about a return to Liverpool, with Uruguayan outlet Carve Deportiva floating the idea of a move back to Anfield. However, a comeback appears unlikely: transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has dismissed the claim, and the links have not gained traction despite Hugo Ekitike’s long-term injury at the club.

Nunez may now face a spell on the bench when Uruguay face Cape Verde in their next group game, with Bielsa likely to favour players carrying greater match sharpness into the contest.