TOURNAMENT'S FOURTH DRAW, URUGUAY, AND SOUTH KOREA PLAYED TO A SCORE OF 0-0
This is the fourth time the 2022 World Cup has ended in a goalless draw, as Uruguay and South Korea were the latest teams to do so. This Group H matchup offered the possibility of some goalmouth excitement based on the attacking talents that were displayed on the show. Despite the presence of such luminaries as Son Heung-min, Darwin Nunez, and Luis Suarez, Education City Stadium could not deliver a definitive result. In the early going, South Korea dominated possession, taking away the ball from their heavily-favored opponents. While Uruguay had a few chances, a teasing cross just missed Darwin Nunez before Luis Suarez was denied from scoring a goal.
Korea, however, continued to come. In an elegant slalom on the left side, Son Heung-Min took aim before his shot was blocked. The South Korean fans were captivated by the close control which had them on the edge of their seats. When a cross was crossed to Hwang Ui-jo, they achieved their best moment. It was a pity that the forward missed an absolute sitter when he sent his shot over from the edge of the six-yard box. Diego Godin, the great Uruguay captain, came close to adding another ageless achievement to his glittering career. An effort by the veteran almost undid the fine work South Korea had put in for 45 minutes when his header hit the post on the stroke of halftime. A brief period of worry was shared by Tottenham Hotspur and South Korea fans when Son went down injured. Fans of both Son's country and his club will be relieved that he is up and about again after some brief treatment after being booked for the challenge.
A marauding run by Nunez ensued after receiving the ball on the left side of the field. A quick knockdown from Godin allowed Liverpool's player to almost take full advantage of the situation. Kim Seung-Gyu saved Nunez' attempt to pull back for Suarez in the box. Edinson Cavani, Manchester United's least troublesome number seven in recent years, replaced Suarez in Suarez's last appearance for the club. After Cavani performed some smart play, the striker passed the ball to Nunez. From just outside the penalty area, the Anfield hero attempted to take a shot, but he dragged his effort wide. While Nunez had passing options, he was always going to try for a goal from that distance due to his instincts.
In the lead-up to Mathias Vina, Cavani displayed a number of flashes of brilliance. Despite Uruguay's efforts, his shot went into the side netting. As a result of a pair of woodwork-clattering attempts, Federico Valverde rattled the post with a long-range shot. Son, on the other hand, dragged his shot just wide of the target. Despite the addition of time to the 90-minute game, both sides still strived for three points. In spite of the red-hot talent on display, the game did not quite take off. Germany and Argentina can attest that a point is no ignominy at this stage. In their remaining games, both teams will be hoping to achieve more.
By Rashmi Goel
