Woodwork denies Uruguay in Korean stalemate

 Son, Nunez, and Suarez were among the offensive players that failed to capitalise on their potential as Uruguay and Korea Republic played to a scoreless stalemate.

• No one was able to break through as both teams' defences held firm.
• Suarez, Cavani, Son, and Nunez were all unsuccessful in scoring as Uruguay hit the goal posts twice.
• Next up for Uruguay is a match against Portugal, and Korea Republic will play Ghana.

Uruguay 0-0 Korea Republic | Group H

Match review

Uruguay, hoping to capitalise more on their strong front line, and Korea Republic, who were stingy in defence, played out a tense opening match in Group G.

The more favoured of the two teams, Uruguay, dominated play in the opening period. The first meaningful opportunity of the game came when Jose Giminez blasted the ball wide to Facundo Pellistri, who hammered a cross into the box that just missed Darwin Nunez.

When the ball found Hwang Uijo unmarked and in the centre of the field, the Koreans created the clearest opportunity of the half and perhaps the entire game, and Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet anticipated the worst. But Hwang swung his shot well over the bar.

Even though the missile was off target, it showed how confident Korea was becoming. It became evident in the second half that the Asian side would not yield to South American pressure after surviving a Diego Godin header that struck the base of the post.

Darwin Nunez found himself in a good position, but his shot lacked the requisite curl to trouble Kim Seunggyu in goal. Then, just before stoppage time, Federico Valverde unleashed a strong effort that slammed against the woodwork as the game ended scoreless.

Key moment: Valverde venom

Federico Valverde of Uruguay took matters into his own hands when the game appeared to be waning and fired in a fierce effort from distance that appeared destined for the top corner. The attacking players in the game realised it wasn't going to be their day as the ball bounced off the woodwork.

Key stat

Diego Godin made history by becoming the oldest player to ever play for Uruguay at a FIFA World Cup. He just two days short of Obdulio Varela's record at 36 years and 281 days (36 years and 279 days in a game against England in 1954).

Player of the Match

Federico Valverde