Uruguay's preparations for their opening World Cup match against Saudi Arabia faced severe disruption after their flight from Mexico was hit by multiple delays. Marcelo Bielsa's squad was due to fly from Cancún to Fort Lauderdale early on Sunday afternoon, but paperwork issues relating to the plane led to the initial flight being cancelled.
Travel Chaos Continues
A second plane was commissioned to take Uruguay to South Florida, but that flight was also delayed. They eventually arrived for the pre-match press conference at Miami Stadium several hours late. Bielsa played down the impact, stating, "The flight caused no problems." However, captain José María Giménez described the delays as "difficult," while Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) officials were less diplomatic.
The delays were caused by paperwork not being ready by the scheduled take-off time. An AUF spokesperson agreed when asked if FIFA was ultimately responsible. In a statement, the AUF said: "Due to problems beyond the control of the AUF, the departure from Mexico has been delayed. The squad is resting at the hotel."
Historical Frustrations
AUF officials later posted a message from former striker Diego Forlán from 2010, bemoaning a similar delay before Uruguay's first World Cup game in South Africa. "Who is to blame???" Forlán wrote, followed by "Arriba Uruguay!!"
Wider World Cup Issues
Uruguay's travel chaos is the latest example of problems caused by FIFA's decision to stage the World Cup in three countries for the first time. Iran have struggled with visa issues for backroom staff, while Ghana's Thomas Partey was denied a visa by Canada due to a rape charge arrest in the UK.
Uruguay trained earlier in the day at the Mexican coastal resort of Playa del Carmen before heading to Cancún airport. Bielsa, leading Uruguay at a World Cup for the first time, has had a turbulent three-year reign, facing calls to resign after a 5-1 friendly defeat to the US last November.
Fan Support and Key Players
About 10,000 Uruguayan fans are expected in the US, with many visible in Miami. Hopes are pinned on midfielder Federico Valverde, who Bielsa praised: "From the moment he became a part of our team, the influence of his game was seen. He is so resourceful."
Saudi Arabia's Challenges
Saudi Arabia have also had a troubled buildup. Manager George Donis will lead the team for the first time in a competitive match on Monday. Donis, who coached at four Saudi Pro League clubs, was appointed in April after the dismissal of Hervé Renard. He said, "I feel our group is one of the toughest of the World Cup. I've been training the team for 12 sessions in total. The days were not enough."
Saudi Arabia have not kept a clean sheet for eight games and scored only seven goals in 10 qualifiers. Donis wants his players to seek inspiration from their 1994 World Cup run to the last 16. "The victory over Argentina shows the current generation have drawn inspiration from the past, and we want to do the same," he said.
