Uruguay v South Korea LIVE World Cup 2022: Result, final score and reaction as teams play out dreary stalemate
Uruguay 0-0 South Korea: Uruguay hit the woodwork twice through Diego Godin and Federico Valverde but couldn’t find a breakthrough
Uruguay defender Diego Godin and midfielder Federico Valverde both hit the woodwork as the South Americans were held to a 0-0 draw by South Korea in their opening World Cup Group H game.
Wearing a black mask to protect a facial fracture, Son Heung-min started for the South Koreans, yet it was team mate Hwang Ui-jo who came closest to breaking the deadlock, but he scooped his shot over the bar with the goal at his mercy.
The best chance of a pulsating first half fell to Uruguay captain Godin, whose glancing header from a corner hit the foot of the left-hand post just before the break.
Valverde fired a stinging shot in the final minute of regulation time that hit the top of the post as the two sides battled to a stalemate in front of a crowd of 41,663, with group rivals Portugal set to meet Ghana later in the evening.
Relive all the action with our live blog below:
Portugal vs Ghana as Ronaldo starts
After Uruguay and South Korea’s goalless draw, we now head over to the other game in Group H between Portugal and Ghana.
A certain Cristiano Ronaldo is starting... Follow it here with our live blog!
Portugal vs Ghana LIVE: World Cup latest updates
Cristiano Ronaldo is in action for the first time since quitting Manchester United as Portugal take on Ghana in Qatar
Uruguay flatter to deceive in World Cup stalemate with South Korea
If this Uruguay 2.0 are to scale the heights of the heroes of old then they will have to find a performance far more worthy of them after opening their World Cup with a hugely disappointing goalless stalemate with South Korea.
Diego Alonso’s new La Celeste have tantalised many in the build-up to this tournament with their blend of wise old heads and virulent new blood combining to great effect over the last 12 months, but neither element could make the key contribution here as a resolute Korea more than earned a point to start their own journey in Qatar on a positive note.
Report by Ben ‘0-0 magnet’ Burrows at the Education City Stadium
Uruguay flatter to deceive in World Cup stalemate with South Korea
Uruguay 0-0 South Korea: Diego Alonso’s blend of experience and young talent has made La Celeste a popular outside pick for glory in Qatar but this was a disjointed showing and Korea deserved their draw
Uruguay vs South Korea player ratings as Valverde impresses
Uruguay vs South Korea player ratings
Valverde - 8: Great run deep, touch and strike at goal. A rocket in the 90th minute that rattled the woodwork and a warrior out of possession, putting his body on the line.
Nunez - 6: Missed a chance lunging as ball came across goal. Brilliant industry to work back and counter and then surged clear in second half to set up a big chance.
Son - 7: Brilliant feet to sit Caceres down, was on the periphery of the game for long spells, but made a stunning long ball in behind to try catch Uruguay out after sitting in a low block. Almost found the bottom corner with a crisp strike that curled wide.
See the rest, here:
Uruguay vs South Korea player ratings
Uruguay 0-0 South Korea: The Real Madrid midfielder rattled the woodwork late on as both sides cancelled each other out
FULL TIME: Uruguay 0-0 South Korea
That will be the story of the game, Uruguay going close but just not doing enough to earn the win. Both Godin and Valverde struck the woodwork but Uruguay were disappointing overall and did not create enough chances against a stubborn and organised South Korean team.
South Korea were probably the better team in the first half but could not take their chances. Son Heung-min was quiet, though, and they were very passive in the second half.
FULL TIME: Uruguay 0-0 South Korea
And that is that.
We have our fourth 0-0 of the World Cup - and for a match where we had so much hope!
But Valverde came this close to snatching the win at the end.
Uruguay 0-0 South Korea
90+7 mins: Uruguay thought they were in but Guillermo Varela has been pulled back for a foul...
And that could be that.
Uruguay 0-0 South Korea
90+6 mins: And it’s straight into the arms of the goalkeeper...
Uruguay 0-0 South Korea
90+5 mins: Corner for Uruguay...
Uruguay 0-0 South Korea
90+3 mins: It’s wild from Hwang In-beom, who has been really good tonight, as the midfielder slashes a shot wide.
Uruguay 0-0 South Korea
90+1 mins: we’re into seven minutes of added time, and suddenly both teams have found some energy.
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