Saudi Arabia’s most credible route is a compact mid-block, then fast breaks into the spaces behind Uruguay’s advanced fullbacks, with **Salem Al-Dawsari** and **Khalid Al-Ghannam** carrying the transition threat while **Musab Al-Juwayr** has to connect the first pass forward. Uruguay, by contrast, should have the ball more often and should try to pin Saudi Arabia back through **Federico Valverde**’s midfield control, **Darwin Núñez**’s depth runs, and direct pressure on the Saudi back line. The key battle is whether Saudi Arabia can survive Uruguay’s vertical attacks and set-piece pressure without getting stretched, because once the game becomes open the Uruguay front line has the clear edge in pace and power. If Saudi Arabia can keep the match slow and force Uruguay into a patient possession game, the draw becomes live; if Uruguay win the duels and the second balls, their quality should tell.
