Uruguay were held to a 0-0 stalemate against South Korea in their opening match at the 2022 World Cup, despite hitting the woodwork twice. It was far from being the greatest offensive performance by the South American outfit as they failed to register a single shot on target over the course of the match. Diego Godin and Federico Valverde both struck the post with good attempts but they were unable to challenge South Korea enough to take the win. So, here’s our Uruguay player ratings for their 0-0 draw with South Korea.
Uruguay (4-3-3):
Sergio Rochet – 5
Decent punch following a corner in the second half but made a poor pass out from the back late on which handed Heung-Min Son a great opportunity. Not much to do overall.
Martin Caceres – 7
Booked for a challenge on Son in the second half. However, was solid at the back, making a couple of good challenges and blocks. Contained Son throughout.
Jose Gimenez – 7.5
Played a couple of brilliant balls from deep in the first half to help create some of the best chances in the game. Displayed a superb bit of defending to deny Son in the second half. Put in a number of good tackles too.
Diego Godin – 8
The 36-year-old veteran struck the post at end of the first forty five with a header, leaping above the man marking him from the corner. Made a great pass from deep to set Darwin Nunez away on the counter just after the hour mark.
Mathias Olivera – 7
Led an excellent opportunity for Uruguay on the counter in the first half but the quality of his final pass let him down. Won a good number of duels and was solid defensively.
Matias Vecino – 5
Picked the ball up in a few good positions but was sloppy in possession. Made a few interceptions but didn’t influence the game.
Federico Valverde – 8.5
There was a lot to enjoy about Fede Valverde’s performance here. He was creative with the ball and also made some good attacking runs from deep. Put himself about and displayed excellent passion after making a fantastic tackle on Kang-In Lee late on. Rattled the post with a thunderous strike too which could have won the game. The Real Madrid man was the best player on the pitch here.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 7.5
Sat in front of the Uruguay defense, being deployed in a holding role. Made a good defensive header in the first half and was accurate with his passing, also making a few good challenges. Started to impact the match offensively late on too. Kept play ticking over and played some nice progressive passes.
Facundo Pellistri – 5
Picked the ball up sporadically and was not involved much. Tried to stay wide and create space and did make a good run in the lead up to Nunez’s half chance in the first half. However, didn’t supply the best of crosses when given the chance.
Luis Suarez – 3
Now back home playing for club side Nacional, Luis Suarez was tasked with leading the line for Uruguay in their Group H opener. However, he was scarcely involved and struggled to impact the game before being subbed off for Edinson Cavani in the second forty five.
Darwin Nunez – 7
Cannot fault Nunez’s effort here but it was tough for him playing on the left-hand side. He did his job well but was not used correctly to get the best out of his qualities, often being forced to sit deep. Tracked back and helped the defense when needed. Threatened just after the hour mark with a good run down the left flank. Decent strike with around ten minutes to go, cutting in onto his right foot but missed the mark.