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South Korea’s Kim Jin-Su, left, and Uruguay’s Federico Valverde fight for the ball during the World Cup group H soccer match between Uruguay and South Korea, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022. | Photo Credit: AP
Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min led the attack for South Korea in their opening FIFA World Cup 2022 match against Uruguay on Thursday, while the South American side started Manchester United’s Facundo Pellistri in a three- man front line.
Son played in a protective mask after suffering multiple fractures around his left eye three weeks ago, joining an attack with Na Sang-ho, Lee Jae-sung, with Hwang Ui-jo of Olympiakos is the only striker.
Pellistri partnered veteran striker Luis Suarez and Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez, who made his World Cup debut, while Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde partnered Matias Vecino and Rodrigo Bentancur in midfield.
Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo was not among the substitutes, as he continues his recovery from thigh surgery in September, while veteran forward Edinson Cavani was on the bench.
First half: The first half of Thursday’s World Cup Group H match between Uruguay and South Korea ended 0-0 at halftime at the Education City Stadium, with the South American side guilty of wasting chances.
Federico Valverde sent a volley wide and Darwin Nunez failed to connect with a pass in the penalty box. Later, Diego Godin’s header hit the post. For South Korea, Hwang Ui-jo spoiled their best chance by shooting over the bar from close range.
Uruguay: Sergio Rochet, Martin Caceres, Diego Godin, Jose Maria Gimenez, Mathias Olivera, Rodrigo Bentancur, Facundo Pellistri, Matias Vecino, Federico Valverde, Luis Suarez, Darwin Nunez
Uruguay players pose for a team photo before the World Cup group H soccer match between Uruguay and South Korea, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022. | Photo Credit: AP
South Korea: Kim Seung-Gyu, Kim Moon-hwan, Kim Min-Jae, Kim Young-Gwon, Kim Jin-Su, Jung Woo-young, Hwang In-Beom, Lee Jae-sung, Na Sang-ho, Hwang Ui-jo, Son Heung-min
South Korean players pose before the World Cup group H soccer match between Uruguay and South Korea, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022. | Photo Credit: AP
