JEDDAH, 28 March - Gulf Cup champions Saudi Arabia showed the flair that they are known for in stunning two-time World Cup winners Uruguay 3-2 in a warm-up soccer match at the Prince Muhammad ibn Fahd Stadium in Dammam yesterday.
The victory, after being a goal down in the fourth minute, also underlined the fact that Saudi Arabia, would be no pushovers in the World Cup to be held in Japan and South Korea in June.
Playing to a plan the Saudi team, missing many of its regulars, reaped the benefits of its recent training in Italy. Incisive passing and intuitive changes were the hallmark of a Saudi side which also showed resilience in defense against an Uruguay squad boasting many internationals.
The South American side were quick off the block in the game by stringing a super move from the right to put Uruguay ahead in the fourth minute. Inter Milan winger Alvaro Recoba was too quick for the Saudi defense with a quicksilver run before effecting a crisp center that was met by Manchester United’s Diego Forlan, who hit past Saudi goalkeeper Muhammad Al-Khojali.
The goal, however, spurred the Saudis to new heights as they slowly, but surely took control of the game. Turning in some intricate passing displays, the concerted Saudi efforts took its toll on the Uruguay defense.
The Saudi defense, meanwhile, shackled the Uruguay attack by effective shadowing of Forlan and Recoba, and an assertive Saudi midfield was slowly mowing down the Uruguay defense.
The sustained Saudi pressure eventually bore fruit with Obaid Al-Dossary, who had scored 10 goals in 12 appearances in the qualifying session, finishing clinically in the ninth minute. He finessed a superb one-two passing bout between Muhammad Shelaya and Ahmad Dokhi, sending a fine shot past Uruguay goalkeeper Fabian Carini.
Then in the 17th minute Abdullah Al-Waked secured a gem with a curling free-kick that beat Carini hands down. With the tempo of the game controlled by the Saudis, it was inevitable that the hosts would find the mark again.
Two minutes after forging ahead, the Saudis notched their third through the effervescent Obaid Al-Dossary and when Saleh Al-Mohemmadi’s shot thudded the woodwork, the Uruguay defense looked all in shambles.
Uruguay, however, came more into the picture in the second half with some sharp moves, but the overall share of exchanges remained even with the battle mostly restricted to the midfield.
Uruguay managed to pull one back on the hour with Fabian O’Neill making the most of a defensive lapse to score from a free-kick from the left. But this was not enough to prevent defeat.
