Gerard Izuora
Suarez may be entering the latter part of his career but the former Liverpool forward’s predatory instincts showed no signs of dimming during his 100th appearance for his country.
The 31-year-old was largely anonymous during Uruguay’s opening win against Egypt, and though far from the effervescent figure that Premier League and La Liga audiences are familiar with, he remains a difficult opponent to pin down over 90 minutes.
He scored a volley, had another deflected wide and combined well with Cavani early on – but thereafter Saudi defender Ali Albulayhi acted as his shadow, dispensing several tough challenges and moments of gamesmanship that appeared to rile Suarez.
To his credit, the Barcelona forward – who has received bans in his previous two World Cups – passed the test of temperament.
And his goal ensured Uruguay reached the knockout stages for their third consecutive finals.
Playing for pride
The Saudi coach Juan Antonio Pizzi talked of a “feeling of shame” after their 5-0 loss to Russia, with his players accused of freezing on the big occasion.
However, Wednesday’s resilient display was in total contrast, and one to be proud of, as they took the game to their more fancied opponents.
They resembled the side that former coach Bert van Marwijk guided through qualification ahead of Australia and a point behind Japan.
Al Hilal midfielder Abdullah Ateef exhibited his range of passing and football intelligence to show why he has been nicknamed the “Saudi Modric” [after Croatia and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric] by his team-mates.
And there were also moments of promise from Fahad Al Muwallad and Mohamed Kanno without there ever quite being enough thrust or accuracy to trouble their South American opponents or deliver a first victory in 12 World Cup matches.