Uruguay huffs and puffs to beat Saudi Arabia

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Uruguayan media has come down hard on the national team after La Celeste clinched a hard-fought 1-0 against Group A minnows Saudi Arabia in order to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In a scathing attack to the footballers, the Uruguayan press on Wednesday described the country's qualification for the knockout stage as "agonizing."

It was a solitary goal from Barcelona's Luis Suarez that ensured the South American team's qualification alongside their Russian hosts with a game yet to be played. Playing his 100th international match, Suarez, who was banned during the last World Cup in Brazil for his infamous bite on Giorgio Chiellini, struck in the 23rd minute.

The local press highlighted that the two-time former World Cup winners' "Garra Charrua," the term for the Uruguay's gritty, fighting spirit, was "in doubt" following two tame wins against poor opposition.

Incidentally, the Russians crushed the same Saudi side 5-0 in the opening of the tournament while Uruguay managed to scrape through with a slender 1-0 win against Egypt in their opening game.

Luis Suarez scores Uruguay’s only goal against Saudi Arabia. /VCG Photo

The Uruguayan daily newspaper, El Observador, said the star-studded side "did not play well, but won its second game and ensured qualification."

Meanwhile, another daily El Pais said that "without playing well Uruguay beat Saudi Arabia to qualify for the last 16," adding "the only goal of the game came from Luis Suarez after a terrible goalkeeping error."

Tenfield, a website specializing in sports said "Celeste won although they didn't have a good game. With this second valuable win, Uruguay advances."

Both Uruguay and Russia have qualified for the knockout stage and will meet Monday for the last game of Group A. The game's result will decide who finishes in first place in the group.

(With input from Xinhua)