WORLD CUP 2018: Suarez the difference as Uruguay grind past Saudi Arabia

   
Following a heavy defeat to hosts Russia last time out, Saudi Arabia were expected to bow out of the World Cup in their second game against Uruguay with a cricket scoreline. However, they were resilient against Oscar Tabarez' men and succumbed to a narrow defeat. Uruguay went into the game with a 4-4-2 formation which saw Luis Suarez feature alongside Edinson Cavani in attack. Both players were unable to link up properly, though, due to Saudi Arabia's impressive backline. The game's lone goal came through none other than Suarez as the Barcelona man latched onto a flick from a corner kick before launching the ball past Mohammed Al Owals. Saudi Arabia appeared to be a different side from the team that lost 5-0 to Russia for the majority of the game. They looked positive going forward, often breaking into Uruguay's half of the pitch with pace and solid passes, but the likes of Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez, along with shot-stopper Fernando Muslera, prevented Saudi Arabia from bagging their first goal at the 2018 World Cup finals. Uruguay have shown that they know how to grind out results, but they evidently need to step up their game with the knockout stages on the horizon. WORLD CUP GROUP A Uruguay - 1 (Suarez 23') Saudi Arabia - 0

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