Uruguay booked their spot in the knockout stages alongside Russia following a 1-0 win over a plucky Saudi Arabia side.
Despite the best efforts of the Saudi Arabian side (who were dismantled by Russia 5-0 on the opening day), they still fell to an error of their own doing, as replacement goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Owais failed to collect a cross, allowing Barcelona’s Luis Suarez to finish into an unguarded net.
While Uruguay named a relatively similar squad to the one which triumphed over Egypt, Saudi Arabia rung in the changes, most notably by dropping their top scorer during qualifying, Mohammed Al-Sahlawi.
Saudi Arabia began on the front foot, appearing more decisive with the ball than they were against Russia.
The Saudi defence was also considerably more comfortable in the match, with each of the four-man backline coming from Saudi Club side Al-Hilal.
Uruguay continued their impressive run of maintaining a clean sheet throughout all their matches in 2018, defending astutely against the energy of Saudi Arabia.
URUGUAY
Fernando Muslera 6 —
Imposed himself well as he collected Saudi Arabia's crossed efforts with ease.
Guillermo Varela 4.5 —
Nearby throughout, as he was dispossessed due to his poor decision making numerous times, causing more problems for his side than necessary. Although, he was an effective outlet due to his pace and driving runs.
Jose Gimenez 7—
Battled throughout the match with Saudi Arabia’s makeshift striker, Fahad Al-Muwallad, never faltering in the face of the challenge presented.
Diego Godin 6 —
Diligently defended and held up well against the tenacity of the opposition.
Martin Caceres 6 —
Had his work cut out due to the constant efforts of Saudi Arabia down his flank, but he stood up well enough. Arguably should have done better with his header off of a second-half free kick.
Carlos Sanchez 6.5
Made to work down the wing, an area where his lack of pace at times appeared to work against his side’s attacks. The diminutive midfielder found more positive moments as he drifted in to midfield, intensely pressurising the Saudi players to reclaim possession for his team.
Matias Vecino 5.5
Shaky at times with the ball but was impressive with his distribution. Replaced by Lucas Torreira.
Rodrigo Betancur 6
Constantly involved in the build-up and looked to get on the ball to allow his team to move forward. Rarely took full control of the game though.
Cristian Rodriguez 7
Several of Uruguay’s successful chances were conjured by the former Atletico Madrid man, as his runs in behind Al-Berik created trouble for the Saudis.
Edinson Cavani 6
Provided some magical creativity at times and defended from the front relentlessly.
Luis Suarez 7
Looked significantly sharper from the offset in comparison to his side’s opening match and earned a goal due to some truly poor goalkeeping.
Subs
Diego Laxalt 6
Immediately looked to get on the ball and work it into key areas for his side.
Lucas Torreira 6
Given time to impress on the world stage after a fantastic season with Sampdoria in Serie A.
Nahitan Nandez N/A
games!!!!! HAPPY to achieve the final 16 stage again 
SAUDI ARABIA
Mohamed Al-Owais 4
Replaced Al-Maiouf after his torrid time in goal during the opening match and made a terrible error of judgement to hand Suarez the opener. May be investing in goalkeeping might be on the agenda over the next qualifying cycle.
Mohammed Al-Berik 5
As he experienced against Russia, several attacks by the opposition were worked from his side of the pitch as he left significant space open by not retreating in attack. Ultimately, failed to impose himself defensively.
Osama Hawsawi 7.5
Staunchly defended and displayed poise to clear balls into the box with precision to his midfielders.
Ali Al-Bulaihi 6.5
Stood up well to the efforts of Uruguay’s star forwards, developing a formidable defensive partnership alongside the Captain Hawsawi.
Yasser Al-Shahrani 5
Forced back on numerous occasions by the pressure put on him. His pace and marauding movement through midfield could have served his side better.
Taisir Al-Jassim 6
Calm and composed on the ball while on the pitch, eventually forced off, unfortunately due to injury.
Abdullah Otayf 7
Recovered possession in integral moments for his side, preventing Uruguay from countering.
Salem Al-Dawsari 6
Threatening throughout due to his excellent footwork and desire to link up with Al-Muwallad.
Salman Al-Faraj 6
Competed well and linked up positively with those around him.
Hatan Bahebri 6.5
Had a well-struck long-range effort saved by Muslera and should have done better with a chance a few minutes after. A worthwhile change put in place by Pizzi, as he offered a more direct approach to the creativity of Yahya Al-Shehri
Fahad Al-Muwallad 7
Placed upfront and successfully caused problems for Uruguay through his intelligent running behind the defence.
Subs
Housain Al-Moqahwi 6
Brought on at the end of the first half to replace Al-Jassim and helped keep Uruguay at bay.
Mohamed Kanno 6
Was lively and attempted to conjure some chances for his side in the final period.
Mohamed Al-Sahlawi 6
The number ten would have been dismayed not to have started, but when he was presented his chance, he had little time to capitalise.
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