Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri made a fine substitution for Uruguay in their World Cup opener, coming off after 88 minutes.
The former red devil Edinson Cavani also made an appearance coming off the bench in the 64th minute to try to change the game and find the winning goal for the South American team.
Unfortunately, despite several chances created, the game ended 0-0.
Pellistri caused problems for South Korea as he connected well with Luis Suárez, especially in the first half, delivering good balls to the area.
Uruguay hit the crossbar twice as South Korea frustrated them. Tottenham’s Son Heung-min was silent for much of the game, but the Koreans had their fair share of chances.
Pellistri, 20, is yet to make his senior debut for the Reds after joining the club in 2020.
Today he showed that he is a disciplined and dedicated player as, playing on the right, he got some good blocks and tackles which helped his team defend in the first half.
When he lost possession, he worked quickly and effectively to win it back around the 70th minute.
Stats show he had 78% passing accuracy, 31 touches and made two key passes. Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez should have deflected a great cross, but he seized the easy opportunity.
???? | Facundo Pellistri’s stats against Korea Republic:
⏱ 88 Minutes Played???? 31 Touches ???? 77.8% Passing Accuracy (14)???? Shots (0)???? Key Passes (2)???? Missed Possession (12)???? Dribble Attempts (4)
Talent.#MUFC???? | #WorldCup2022???????? pic.twitter.com/kW1Ep3ywT3
– ΛROUND THE GROUNDS (@ArndTheGrnds) November 24, 2022
He offered width to the Uruguay team and put some promising balls into the danger zone, but unfortunately South Korea were also solid in their defense and neither team could find the breakthrough.
Uruguay will now take on Portugal on Monday, where Pellistri will take on teammates Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.
This hard-earned point leaves Group H wide open and is expected to be a three-way battle between Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea, all in fine form going into the competition.
After Pellistri’s performance in his World Cup debut today, he looks set to take on all the competition.
