FIFA’s foray into American capitalism appeared to face challenges in Miami, one of the globe’s entertainment hubs.
While only a handful of tickets showed as available on their official site at kickoff, numerous empty seats and vacant concourses marred the contest, a gritty draw that leaves Group H in a stalemate following Cape Verde’s surprising draw with Spain earlier in the day.
Gianni Infantino has famously likened the World Cup to 104 Super Bowls, but judging by the turnout, locals seem to need more persuasion. Although the official attendance was reported at 62,764 out of a possible 64,478, many spectators did not arrive until the second half, with FIFA attributing the delay to a highway accident.
Miami boasts a higher concentration of Instagram influencers than Los Angeles and New York, suggesting that FIFA might have benefitted from enlisting their help in selling tickets rather than relying on the ubiquitous IShowSpeed, whose overexuberance has started to annoy some VIP guests in FIFA’s exclusive areas.
Built on a foundation of celebrity and glamour, Miami residents are tough to impress, and even die-hard sports fans have a vast array of options.
The Hard Rock Stadium, known for hosting six Super Bowls and being a key venue on the Formula One circuit, was unlikely to attract massive interest for a group stage World Cup match featuring two offensively challenged teams.
The numerous empty seats highlighted the potential drawbacks of FIFA’s heavy reliance on another American staple: the secondary ticket market. Clearly, tickets were sold, but given the steep prices of category one and two tickets, set at $430 and $600, respectively, it seems unlikely that thousands of fans deliberately chose not to attend. A more plausible explanation is that tickets purchased by speculative buyers were left unsold.
Uruguay earned their draw after coming from behind, dominating the game for most of the first half, aside from the final ten minutes, during which Abdulelah al-Amri put Saudi Arabia ahead against the flow of play.
Disruptions during their travels from Cancún to Fort Lauderdale had impacted Uruguay’s preparations, illustrating the challenges of hosting a multi-country World Cup; however, these travel issues did not seem to have a lasting impact on their performance.
As expected from a Marcelo Bielsa-coached team, Uruguay controlled possession from the outset, generating an early opportunity in the fifth minute. Federico Vinas delivered a cross from the left that Ronald Araújo met, but his effort was denied by goalkeeper Mohammed al-Owais.
A penalty appeal arose in the 20th minute when Sebastián Cáceres’s shot struck Hassan al-Tambakti’s hand, but the defender’s arm was clearly positioned at his side. Uruguay’s best chance of the first half fell to Vinas, whose diving header was directed straight at Owais.
Saudi Arabia, bolstered by a vibrant crowd dressed in green, managed to hold their ground and were rewarded just before the half-time whistle.
Amri had already forced an outstanding save from Fernando Muslera with a powerful header from a corner in the 38th minute before he netted the opener from another set-piece just three minutes later.
Musab al-Juwayr’s cross was met by a header from Tambakti, which Muslera could only parry, allowing Amri to react swiftly and tap the ball into the net. Muslera was likely frustrated by not securing the ball cleanly, a sentiment echoed by Bielsa, whose expression on the sidelines was far from pleased.
In response, Bielsa made two substitutions at half-time, one of which involved replacing Darwin Núñez, who, despite the challenging weather conditions, had struggled to make an impact throughout the match.
It’s worth noting that the former Liverpool striker has only played two matches—both for Uruguay in March—since February, when he was released by Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal after their signing of Karim Benzema.
Bielsa also repositioned Federico Valverde to a more central role after the player had been largely ineffective on the right flank in the first half, a tactical adjustment that shifted the balance of the game back in Uruguay’s favor.
Saudi Arabia remained resolute in defense, limiting Uruguay’s chances to mere half-efforts from crosses. Vinas and substitute Agustín Canobbio both directed headers off-target, while Owais made another impressive save from Manuel Ugarte, whose shot from the right was deflected onto the far post.
Uruguay continued to press down the flanks, and an equalizer that seemed inevitable arrived in the 80th minute. Mathías Olivera’s cross was headed toward goal by Vinas, and when Owais failed to secure the ball, Maxi Araújo was quickest to react, finishing neatly at the near post.
Owais redeemed himself during injury time, making two crucial saves from Nicolás de la Cruz and Valverde.
After both teams dropped points, Spain emerged as the primary beneficiaries of this result, looking to capitalize when they face Saudi Arabia in Atlanta. Uruguay will return to action against Cape Verde on Sunday, which will also serve as another test for FIFA’s ticket sales strategy.
