Saudi Arabia and Uruguay seek Group H advantage
Uruguay will look to avoid another disappointing World Cup campaign when they face Saudi Arabia in Miami on Tuesday.
La Celeste exited in the group stage four years ago in Qatar, falling short of expectations despite boasting a squad packed with experience and talent. Marcelo Bielsa's side arrive in the United States determined to make a deeper run this time around.
The South Americans can no longer call upon the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, but Federico Valverde, Darwin Nunez, Rodrigo Bentancur and Manuel Ugarte remain central figures in a squad expected to challenge for a place in the knockout rounds.
Uruguay have not played since March, when they drew against both England and Algeria in international friendlies, but confidence remains high ahead of their opening match in Group H.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, are aiming to reach the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since 1994.
The Green Falcons have become regular participants at the tournament in recent decades, but have not progressed beyond the group stage since their memorable run on debut in the United States more than three decades ago.
Georgios Donis' side completed their preparations with a goalless draw against Senegal and will once again look to captain Salem Al-Dawsari for inspiration. The experienced forward is the leading scorer in the current squad and remains one of Saudi Arabia's most important players.
Firas Al-Buraikan is expected to lead the attack, while Mohammed Kanno will be tasked with providing control in midfield.
The sides have met three times previously, with each nation recording one victory and one draw. Their most recent World Cup meeting came in Russia in 2018, when Uruguay secured a 1-0 victory.
With Spain widely considered favorites to top Group H, both teams will be aware of the importance of making a positive start.
Saudi Arabia predicted lineup:
Al-Owais; Abdulhamid, Al-Tambakti, Lajami, Al-Buqawi; Kanno, Al-Khaibari; Nasser Al-Dawsari, Al-Juwayr, Salem Al-Dawsari; Al-Buraikan
Uruguay predicted lineup:
Muslera; Varela, Caceres, Bueno, Olivera; Valverde, Ugarte, Bentancur, M Araujo; Vinas, Nunez
