FIFA World Cup 2022 URU vs KOR: South Korea see off Uruguay in a goalless draw in opening game of Group H

A fast-paced opening Group H encounter saw South Korea hold Uruguay to a goalless draw at the Education City Stadium here in Qatar on Thursday.

South Korea's captain Son Heung-min took the field wearing a face mask as he still recovers from a facial injury while veteran Luis Suarez started for Uruguay in what could be his last world cup.

The first half was an evenly contested affair as both teams matched each other's tempo and was played at a frantic pace. But it also saw both teams miss golden opportunities to get their teams ahead. South Korea didn't register a single shot on target in the first half.

Uruguay tried to keep possession in the second half, but were frustrated by a solid South Korean defense. Edinson Cavani was introduced in the 64th minute in place of Luis Suarez to find a way past the stubborn South Korean defense but wasn't able to inspire his team to find a goal.

Federico Valverde of Uruguay came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 89th minute, as his shot from outside the box hit the post while Son Heung-min dragged his shot just wide from outside the box soon after, as South Korea failed to hit a single shot on target.

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