Uruguay was held to a scoreless draw by South Korea in Group H's opening game

Uruguay, the 14th-ranked team in the world, tried to push forward offensively but was thwarted by the Koreans thanks in part to a stifling defense and some good fortune. In minute 43, Diego Godin's header off a corner by Federico Valverde clanked off the inside of the post, and in minute 90, Federico Valverderang's drive smacked off the left post.

The 28th-ranked South Korean team also had a chance to score when Hwang Ui-jo was set up in space barely 10 meters from the goal by Kim Moon-low hwan's cross. The biggest chance Korea had in the first half, however, was missed by Hwang. Son, who was still healing from a facial injury, participated in the entire game while sporting a mask. The Tottenham Hotspur attacker wasn't himself, but he occasionally displayed a flash of brilliance, edging over two defenders to send in a risky cross in the opening period.