Uruguay 1-0 Saudi Arabia: 5 things we learned as Suarez seals win

REUTERS/Marko Djurica

Uruguay, once again, were not convincing. Many expected a rout against a flimsy Saudi Arabia side, but that was far from the case. Luis Suarez's 23rd minute goal was all that separated the teams, although Uruguay never looked in danger of letting the result slip.

Óscar Tabárez, though he was expected to field a more expansive side at this year's tournament, appears content to secure a passage through to the knockout stages with a series of dour 1-0 wins. 

Absolutely no risks were taken against Saudi Arabia. Had they wanted to, Uruguay could likely have scored more, but it quickly became evident that they were not concerned with boosting their goal difference. A win, and the resultant qualification, was all that mattered.

That did not make for a great spectacle, but by now it is to be expected when watching Uruguay. We can only hope, for the sake of the millions of viewers, that they avoid Fernando Santos' equally dour Portugal in the last-16.

Here are five things we learned from Uruguay's narrow win over Saudi Arabia.