The 2022 World Cup has its fourth 0-0 draw, as Uruguay and South Korea became the latest teams to share a goalless draw. The attacking talents on show suggested this Group H clash would offer some goalmouth excitement. But such luminaries as Son Heung-min, Darwin Nunez and Luis Suarez could not bring a definitive result at Education City Stadium.
South Korea dominated possession in the early going, taking the play away from their heavily-favoured opponents. Uruguay had their moments, with a teasing cross just missing Darwin Nunez before Luis Suarez had a shot blocked.
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But Korea kept coming. Son Heung-Min slalomed elegantly down the left hand side before his shot was blocked. It was a mesmerising piece of close control that got the South Korea fans out of their seats. Their best moment arrived when a cross reached Hwang Ui-jo. The forward missed an absolute sitter, sending a shot over from the edge of the six yard box.
The great Uruguay captain, Diego Godin, nearly added another ageless exploit to his glittering career. The veteran saw a header hit the post on the stroke of half time, almost undoing the fine work South Korea had put in for 45 minutes.
South Korea and Tottenham Hotspur fans were united in worry briefly when Son went down injured. Martin Caceres would booked for the challenge and fans of both his country and his club will be relieved that Son was up and about again after some brief treatment.
Nunez picked the ball up wide on the left and went on a marauding run. Godin sent him on his way and the Liverpool man almost took full advantage. Nunez got into the box but his attempted pull-back for Suarez was saved by Kim Seung-gyu. It would be Suarez’s last involvement as he was replaced by Edinson Cavani, the least troublesome of Manchester United’s recent number sevens.
Some smart play from Cavani broke the South Korean lines before the striker laid it off to Nunez. The Anfield hero set himself but dragged his shout wide from just outside the box. There were passing options on for Nunez, but a striker with his instincts was always going to try for goal from that distance.
Cavani continued his flashes of brilliance as he headed on for Mathias Vina. His shot hit the side netting asr Uruguay strained to assert themselves on this tie. Federico Valverde rattled the post with a shot from long-range, a brace of woodwork-clattering chances. At the other end, Son dragged a shot just wide. Even as the 90 minutes gave way to added time, both sides still sought three points.
The game never quite caught fire, despite the red-hot talent on show. A point is certainly no ignominy at this stage, just ask Germany and Argentina. But both will be hoping for more when they mix it with Portugal and Ghana in their remaining games.
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