Saudi Arabia aims to repeat Qatar magic against Uruguay

Saudi Arabia is determined to recapture the magic that stunned the world in Qatar four years ago as they begin their Group H campaign against Uruguay on Tuesday. The Green Falcons are still remembered for one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, defeating then-world champions Argentina 2-1 in the 2022 edition. However, Saudi Arabia enters this tournament with a different look, guided by new coach Georgios Donis, who was appointed less than two months before the competition began. Donis replaced Herve Renard, who was dismissed in April following several disappointing results, including a 0-4 loss to Egypt and a 1-2 defeat to Serbia in friendly matches. The former Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United player faces the significant task of restoring the team's confidence. He is tasked with leading a squad drawn into a tough group alongside Uruguay, Spain, and Cape Verde. Captain Salem Al-Dawsari is expected to be a key player once again, with fans still recalling his winning goal against Argentina in Qatar. Meanwhile, Uruguay aims to prove that their squad renewal project under Marcelo Bielsa is progressing well. Since his appointment in 2023, Bielsa has implemented a major overhaul, building a younger team following the end of the Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani era. Expectations now rest on the shoulders of Federico Valverde, Darwin Nunez, and Ronald Araujo, although the latter's availability is uncertain due to a muscle injury. Bielsa's high-intensity playing style has led Uruguay to some impressive results, including victories over Brazil and Argentina in World Cup qualifiers. However, consistency remains an issue, as they finished fourth in the South American qualifying zone. Uruguay also holds a historical edge, having defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0 in their last World Cup encounter in 2018, with a goal from Suarez. For Saudi Arabia, this match is not just about securing three points but also an opportunity to prove once again that they can cause surprises on the biggest stage in world football.