1xBet Match Preview: Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia

Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia
World Cup 2018 Group A
Date: Wednesday, 20th June 2018
Kick-Off at 17:00 GMT +2
Venue: Rostov Arena (Rostov).

Uruguay set sights on knockout qualification from 2018 FIFA World Cup Group A with a win against a rattled Saudi Arabia on Wednesday evening.

This is a do-or-die game for Saudi Arabia, who were thrashed 5-0 by hosts Russia in the tournament opener. The Green Falcons will be eliminated from the competition with a defeat in the group phase, which may well happen at the Rostov Arena.

Uruguay had a difficult start to the 2018 World Cup and were given a run for their money by Egypt. Yet, they ended up with three points, thanks to a late goal from Atletico Madrid’s young defender Jose Gimenez.

Among the positives is the defensive display from Godin and company. But the so called talented midfield consisting of Juventus youngster Rodrigo Bentancur and Inter Milan’s Matias Vecino failed to link up with the attacking front.

However, Suarez and Cavani had some decent half chances, the Barcelona star the most disappointing as he failed to test the opposition goal keeper.

Meantime, Saudi Arabia endured a nightmare start in their return to the World Cup after a 12-year hiatus. This 5-0 defeat to Russia is their second heaviest in the competition after the 8-0 mauling from Germany back in 2002.

It will be a herculean task for Jose Antonio Pizzi to motivate the side from here on, especially when going up against Uruguay, who has world class players in their ranks.

Match Facts
The teams had met two times previously, both in international friendlies.

The latest of which happened in 2014 and teams settled for a 1-1 draw.

The first was in 2002 and Saudi Arabia defeated Uruguay in a high scoring thriller on a 3-2 margin.

Betting Tips

Uruguay to win: 1.27

Saudi Arabia to win:

Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draw: 6.3

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