It was Maxi Araujo who struck late to rescue Uruguay from defeat against Saudi Arabia as the South Americans fought back to earn a 1-1 draw in their opening Group H match of the World Cup.
Saudi Arabia, who stunned eventual champions Argentina in their first game at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, looked poised for another memorable upset after Abdulelah Al Amri converted four minutes before half-time. The defender reacted quickest after Hassan Al Tambakti’s powerful header from a corner had been parried by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
However, Uruguay mounted a sustained second-half response under Marcelo Bielsa, finishing with 28 attempts on goal. The former Leeds United manager made two changes at the break, including withdrawing former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, and the move injected fresh energy into his side. Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais produced a brilliant save to push Manuel Ugarte’s effort onto the post before Araujo eventually found the equaliser.
In Los Angeles, Iran twice came from behind to force a 2-2 draw against New Zealand and deny the Oceania side a first-ever World Cup victory.
Motherwell forward Elijah Just gave New Zealand the lead with a fierce half-volley after being set up by captain Chris Wood. Iran responded midway through the first half through Ramin Rezaeian, who finished calmly after Mehdi Taremi had earlier struck the post.
Just restored New Zealand’s advantage after the interval with a deft finish over Alireza Beiranvand following another combination with Wood. But Iran again fought back, with Mohammad Mohebbi heading home Rezaeian’s cross to earn a share of the spoils.
Elsewhere, World Cup debutants Cape Verde produced one of the shocks of the tournament by holding reigning European champions Spain to a goalless draw.
Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha was the hero for the island nation, producing a series of outstanding saves to frustrate Spain, who registered 27 attempts on goal. The 40-year-old, who plays for Portuguese club Chaves, became the second-oldest player to make a World Cup debut and delivered a performance that secured a historic point for Cape Verde.
Spain dominated possession and chances, but the inspired shot-stopper made seven saves to preserve a clean sheet and ensure a memorable result for the tournament newcomers.
Meanwhile, Egypt were denied what would have been their first-ever World Cup victory after being held to a 1-1 draw by Belgium in Seattle.
The Pharaohs took the lead in the 21st minute through Al Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour, who unleashed a powerful strike beyond Thibaut Courtois from outside the penalty area.
Belgium, however, restored parity in the second half when defender Mohamed Hany inadvertently diverted Thomas Meunier’s low cross into his own net under pressure from substitute Romelu Lukaku.
Backed by a large and vocal support on the United States’ west coast, Egypt pushed for a historic breakthrough but ultimately had to settle for a draw.
