Maxi Araújo started in England v Uruguay, Sporting star under close watch | OneFootball

The draw (1-1) between England and Uruguay, played in London, was only decided in the closing moments. Maxi Araújo - the Sporting star who received special attention - started for the Uruguay national team and made his mark as early as the 3rd minute, when he prevented Madueke from scoring. England took control early on, even though Thomas Tuchel left out names such as Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, saving them for the clash with Japan.

On the Uruguay side, Marcelo Bielsa named a full-strength team, with Maxi Araújo, De Arrascaeta, Ugarte, Ronald Araújo and Valverde among the starters. Even so, the South Americans suffered a setback in the 13th minute, when Piqueréz got injured in a challenge with Madueke, who also went off with complaints before half-time. England had more possession and got closer to the opposing goal, but lacked efficiency in front of goal.

In the second half, the match followed the same pattern and was also marked by another substitution due to physical problems, this time Phil Foden in the 56th minute after a hard challenge by Ronald Araújo. Cole Palmer created the best chance up to that point, with a free-kick that Calvert-Lewin deflected wide. Maxi Araújo left the pitch in the 64th minute.

The scoreline only changed in the 81st minute, when Ben White scored following a corner, a play confirmed by VAR despite Uruguayan protests. Deep into stoppage time, White himself fouled Federico Viñas and the referee awarded a penalty, which Valverde converted. Uruguay still pushed for a comeback, but the draw held, in a result that punishes England for their superiority but rewarded the visitors' late efficiency.

This season for Sporting, Maxi Araújo - valued at €25 million - has made 35 appearances: 21 in Liga Portugal Betclic, nine in the UEFA Champions League, three in the Portuguese Cup, one in the League Cup and one in the Super Cup. In the 2,787 minutes he has been on the pitch, the winger has scored six goals and provided four assists.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.