Uruguay came into this Group H opener as heavy favourites, and despite a spirited Saudi Arabian fightback, their individual quality ultimately proved decisive. Marcelo Bielsa's side pressed high and early, with Valverde and Ugarte setting a relentless tempo in central midfield. The opening goal was a thing of beauty — Valverde split the Saudi backline with a laser-guided through ball and Núñez, showing his Al-Hilal-sharpened instincts, finished low past Al-Aqidi with clinical composure. Saudi Arabia, organised in a compact 4-2-3-1 under Hervé Renard's successor, grew into the game and were rewarded just after the hour when captain Salem Al-Dawsari curled a free-kick around the wall with trademark precision to level. The Hard Rock Stadium crowd erupted, and for a brief spell Saudi Arabia threatened an upset. But Uruguay's class told in the 76th minute: De la Cruz, drifting infield from the right, played a one-two with De Arrascaeta on the edge of the box and the Flamengo man tucked a composed finish into the far corner. Saudi Arabia pushed late but lacked the creativity to unlock a resolute Uruguayan backline marshalled superbly by Ronald Araújo.

• Uruguay dominated possession (62%) and created 2.61 xG — their quality gap was evident throughout.
• Darwin Núñez's 18th-minute opener was his 4th World Cup goal, continuing a tournament-level pedigree.
• Salem Al-Dawsari's stunning free-kick leveller was KSA's only shot on target in the first 70 minutes.
• De Arrascaeta's late winner came from a devastating quick combination with De la Cruz — KSA's defence was caught flat.
• Uruguay's midfield trio of Valverde, Ugarte and Bentancur won 73% of duels, suffocating KSA's build-up.
• Saudi Arabia's high defensive line was repeatedly exposed in behind by Núñez's runs.