2018 World Cup
Result: Uruguay 1-0 Saudi Arabia
Date: 20 June 2018
Venue: Rostov Arena
FC Barcelona superstar Luis Suarez scored the only goal of the game as Uruguay defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0 to advance to the 2018 World Cup round of 16.
Uruguay dominated proceedings in the early stages of the match as they went in search of goal to settle the nerves.
Their pressure eventually paid off in the 23rd minute as Suarez gave Oscar Tabarez's charges the lead with a left-footed strike inside the box following a corner, 1-0.
Hattan Babhir should have equalised for Saudi Arabia in the 27th minute with a chance inside the box but he shot over the crossbar while unmarked.
The South Americans were sitting deep after half-an-hour, inviting the Green Falcons to carve out chances in their defensive third.
Nevertheless, Uruguay held on to their slender lead going into the half-time break.
The match proved a scrappy affair in the opening 10 minutes of the second stanza as Tabarez's troops were seemingly trying to grind out the result.
However, Uruguay began to gain control of the match after 65 minutes, keeping a good shape at the back and not giving Saudi Arabia space to maneuver.
Edinson Cavani nearly made it 2-0 for the South Americans 10 minutes before time with a clever header inside the box that sailed slightly wide of the mark.
Five minutes later, Cavani had another chance for Uruguay following a fast break but shot-stopper Mohammed Al Owais made a crucial save one-on-one.
In the end, Uruguay managed to hold their nerve in the closing stages to grind out a 1-0 win that secures their spot in the round of 16.
The win sees Uruguay remain in second spot, while Group A leaders Russia have also secured their spot in the knockout round. Egypt and Saudi Arabia have been eliminated.
