Uruguay misses World Cup chance in draw with Saudi Arabia, but eyes best version

Uruguay let a significant opportunity slip through their fingers on Tuesday, drawing with Saudi Arabia in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup Group H. The result meant they failed to capitalize on the earlier draw between Spain and Cape Verde, a missed chance that weighed heavily on coach Marcelo Bielsa.

"It was a winnable game that we didn't win," Bielsa stated after the match in Miami. While he acknowledged the team's improved performance in the second half, he lamented their sluggish start. "The first half the team was turned off, without dynamism, without pressure, without provoking errors, without depth," he explained. He added that when key players fail to make a difference, weaker opponents gain confidence.

Fede Valverde, a midfielder for Real Madrid, echoed the frustration, admitting he left the stadium "frustrated." Despite this, he expressed happiness with his teammates' efforts. Fans gathered in Montevideo to watch the team's fifth consecutive World Cup appearance, hoping for a better showing than in Qatar 2022, where they exited in the group stage. Many expressed annoyance at defensive errors that led to Saudi Arabia's goal.

Local press offered a mixed assessment, with some outlets noting "positive changes" and a strong second-half surge, describing Uruguay as a "locomotive" in the latter half. They highlighted Bielsa's tactical substitutions, bringing on Juan Manuel Sanabria and Agustín Canobbio, as crucial for finding an equalizer. Some reports suggested these changes helped Bielsa identify his starting lineup. Uruguay now faces Cape Verde on June 21, with Bielsa expected to make further changes. The team knows victory is essential, especially with a tough match against a tournament favorite to close out the group stage.