KUWAIT, June 20 (KUNA) -- Uruguay will attempt to boost their chances to advance to round of 16 of the World Cup 2018, when they meet Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
This will be the third encounter between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia but the first at a World Cup.
Uruguay won their first match against Egypt and have three points now, hoping to extend it to six in Group A.
The last time Uruguay won their opening match at FIFA World Cup was in Mexico in 1970. They went all the way to the semi-finals. Group A is currently led by Russia by six points.
Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said it did not matter to him who was younger or experienced. "I choose according to the needs of the team," he added.
Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera told a pre-game news conference last night "winning in a World Cup is always important. Not everyone did it, we did. And it's a force to face what's coming." Saudi Arabia lost 0-5 to Russia in the first match of the championship.
Taiseer Al-Jassam of Saudi Arabia said: "We hope to improve our image by proving our presence in the tournament.
"All we care about is the happiness of the fans. The heat of the atmosphere in Rostov (Arena) will not affect us because we are used to the heat of the atmosphere," he added.
Saudi Arabia finished bottom of their group in the last three World Cup appearances. Their best performance was when they were knocked out by Sweden in the round of 16 in the 1994 World Cup. (end) bs