FIFA World Cup: Uruguay and South Korea draw in World Cup opener

Diego Godin was the player on the day, he and Federico Valverde each failed to hit the woodwork with their long-range shots, but neither of the goalkeepers were challenged enough.

Luis Suarez is nearing the end of his career, and his performance at the World Cup was rocky. The former Liverpool and Barcelona striker, who turns 36 in January, was a shell of his former self.

He played in the middle of a three-person backline, and Liverpool's new Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez was deployed on the left.

It was not an unfamiliar role for the 23-year-old as he has played it for Benfica and Juergen Klopp's side with success, but it limited his attacking ability as he had to do his share of defensive work.

Suarez's lack of pace and mobility left him isolated, and it was no surprise that he was replaced by Edinson Cavani shortly after an hour, hardly making any impression.

South Korea's big hero Son Heung-min, wearing a face shield after surgery on a broken eye socket suffered in the game against Tottenham, also struggled to make an impact on the game.

He had his only half-chance in the 90th minute when he took a shot from 20 yards, but his shot went just wide.

South Korea dominated the game initially, but their opponents sat back for the most part and let the Asians have their way, creating few real chances and even missing the better ones.

Real Madrid's Valverde fired a free kick just over the goal before Nunez, who had been more of a left-winger up to that point, failed to hit a cross from Facundo Pellistri.

Nunez failed to beat goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, but that was mostly the fault of Mathias Olivera, who fired a well-placed pass across the goal in the penalty area.

In such a close game, taking advantage of such chances was crucial. Hwang Ui-jo should have scored but did not even hit the target when he leaned back and headed Kim Moon-hwan's cross across the face of the goal.

Two minutes before the break, the post prevented Uruguay from taking the lead when Godin's header from a corner hit the post.

Cavani, a month younger than Suarez, was substituted in the 64th minute and created more momentum in and around the penalty area. His shot was blocked before setting up Nunez, who fired the ball just past Seung-gyu's left post.

Valverde aimed from 25 yards, but his shot bounced off the post, while Son's attempt missed the target.