Saudi Arabia has been knocked out of U-20 World Cup after suffering a 1-0 lost against Uruguay in the quarter-final stage.
After the departure of host South Korean, Japan, and Vietnam, Saudi Arabia was the only hope of Asia in the highest football tournament for young players.
Despite being considered as an underdog, the Saudis threat to upset the perception that Uruguay was on their way to the final of U-20 World Cup.
La Celeste had more time of the ball, but their opponent effectively blocked most of their chances to the goal of Armin Albukhari.
The most significant chance Saudi Arabia could get in the first half was from Ayman Alkhulaif in the penalty area, however, Uruguay’s goalkeeper Santiago Mele did not give his opponent a mere hope.
In the end, what separated the teams was a penalty which the Uruguayans won. A Saudi’s handball in the box saw captain Nicolas De La Cruz get the chance to put them in front and he made no mistake on the spot.
The Asian side never found a way back into the game. This is the first time since 2011 that Asia have no representative in the last 8 stage of U-20 World Cup.