QATAR: Uruguay’s first 2022 FIFA World Cup Group H match against South Korea ended in a goalless draw on Thursday. Uruguay’s defender, Diego Godin, and midfielder Federico Valverde hit the crossbar in failed attempts for a goal. South Korea held the South Americans to a 0-0 draw.
Uruguay lost the winning chance with Diego Godin’s missed shot
South Korea started the game with a lot of intention and effort to attack, but they lacked a clinical edge in front of the goal. After 34 minutes, Moon-Hwan Kim found Ui-Jo Hwang free in the box, but he only managed to shoot over the crossbar. The missed chance was their best opportunity for a goal in the first half.
Diego Godin rose highest at a corner just before the break, and Uruguay should have scored, but his header hit the post and bounced clear. Federico Valverde’s shot at the goal from outside the box. The ball hit the outside of the woodwork toward the end. Heung-Min Son went up to the other end of the field and lashed out the ball from a distance.
Several Premier League stars were on display at the Education City Stadium, but Facundo Pellistri’s name stood out on the roster. The 20-year-old winger has not yet made a senior United appearance, but Uruguay coach Diego Alonso gave him a start and his eighth cap.
Pellistri, who played in a front three with Nunez and Suarez, was dynamic at times but failed to create an impression in his 88-minute stay. It remains to be seen if Alonso persists with Pellistri for the next game or utilises Edinson Cavani’s experience instead.
Interestingly, according to statistics, it has been 465 minutes since Uruguay conceded a goal in the World Cup group stage, and this is their fifth consecutive clean sheet.
Following the goalless tie, Uruguay will play with Portugal and South Korea will play with Ghana in their second group game on Monday.
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