Araujo rescues Uruguay from defeat against Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Uruguay in their opening Group H match at the FIFA World Cup, after Abdulilah Al Amri put the Green Falcons ahead before Maximiliano Araujo equalised near the end.

The opening stages were unremarkable from both sides before Uruguay asserted control following a hydration break, though goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais saved a header from Federico Viña after half an hour of play.

Saudi Arabia regained their rhythm and posed a threat from well-executed corner kicks, with defender Abdulilah Al Amri eventually scoring the opening goal in the 41st minute.

Uruguay pushed for an equaliser at the start of the second half, but Saudi Arabia's defensive organisation and Al Owais's brilliance kept the scoreline intact.

In the closing minutes, Araujo pounced on a rebound from the Saudi goalkeeper, who had saved a powerful header from Viña, to score the equaliser for Uruguay.

Both sides exchanged attacks in the final minutes in search of a winner, with Saud Abdulhamid firing a shot over the bar while Al Owais denied Federico Valverde in stoppage time, as the match ended in a draw.

Saudi Arabia play Spain next Sunday, while Uruguay face Cape Verde on the same day.