RIYADH: Egyptian fans were most certainly feeling a sense of deja vu as they watched Saudi Arabia take on Uruguay in their World Cup opener on Monday.
Like Egypt had done a few hours earlier against Belgium, the Saudis took the lead in the first half. And like Egypt, they conceded after the break and were unable to hold on for what would have been an upset.
Also like the Pharaohs, Saudi Arabia will feel they deserved more from the game, even if they would have gladly accepted a draw against one of the tournament’s strongest sides before kickoff.
The fact that in the group’s other match Spain had dropped points in a goalless draw with Cape Verde might have been on the minds of both Saudi Arabia’s coach, Georgios Donis, and his Uruguay counterpart, Marcelo Bielsa, because in what was one of the quietest starts to a 2026 World Cup match so far both sides were extremely wary of taking risks, with many passing sequences ending back in defense.
The stands of the Miami Stadium were awash with sky blue and the Uruguayan supporters did their best to unsettle the Green Falcons, to little effect during the opening half. Saudi Arabia looked calm, composed and well organized, which ensured that Uruguay found little space to exploit behind the defense.
