South Korea Holds Uruguay to 0–0 Draw at World Cup

South Korea Holds Uruguay to 0–0 Draw at World Cup
Seunggyu Kim of Korea Republic makes a save against an attempt by Darwin Nunez of Uruguay during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Uruguay and Korea Republic at Education City Stadium on November 24, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
The Associated Press
Updated:

AL RAYYAN, Qatar—South Korea and Uruguay started their World Cup campaigns with a 0–0 draw on Thursday, a result that probably favors the Asian team.

The draw at Education City Stadium was yet another early World Cup match with the favored team stumbling. Argentina and Germany both lost their opening matches in major upsets.

South Korea, with forward Son Heung-min wearing a mask to protect a broken left eye socket, always looked the more likely team to score against the more experienced Uruguayans. The South Koreans were quicker, pressing from the opening whistle.

However, in a match with few clear scoring chances, Uruguay had the best chances: Diego Godin hit the post in the 43rd minute and Federico Valverde hit it in the 89th.

Uruguay will next face Portugal in Group H while South Korea plays Ghana.

By Stephen Wade