Spain and Uruguay meet with Group H places still at stake
Spain need a point to top Group H, while Uruguay are trying to secure a World Cup round-of-32 place in Guadalajara.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
3 min read
Spain face Uruguay on Friday in Guadalajara with first place in World Cup Group H within reach and Uruguay still needing a result to make sure of a knockout spot. Al Jazeera reported that the match is the only group-stage meeting at this tournament between former World Cup winners.
The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. local time at Guadalajara Stadium, or 00:00 GMT, according to Al Jazeera. Spain lead the group with four points, while Uruguay are second on two points, ahead of Cape Verde on goal difference and goals scored; Saudi Arabia have one point.
Under the expanded 48-team format, Al Jazeera reported that the top two teams in each of the 12 groups advance, joined by the eight best third-placed teams in a new round of 32. Spain need one point to finish first, though Cape Verde could still pass them on goal difference if Spain draw and Cape Verde beat Saudi Arabia by more than four goals.
Spain seek momentum after Saudi Arabia win
Spain opened the tournament with a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, a result Al Jazeera said drew criticism after Spain failed to turn possession into goals against goalkeeper Vozinha. Luis de la Fuente’s side then beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 to take control of its position in the group.
Lamine Yamal, who scored against Saudi Arabia after a hamstring problem had limited his role in the opener, said Spain had “arrived” after an opening match that did not reflect the team, according to Al Jazeera. De la Fuente defended his players after the win, saying it was “crazy” and “unfair” to question a young generation he described as having a bright future.
Al Jazeera reported that Spain have not conceded at the tournament, making them one of four teams with that record after two matches. Spain’s recent form line stands at win, draw, win, draw, draw, including a 3-1 warm-up win over Peru and draws with Iraq and Egypt.
Spain will be without Pedri because of suspension, according to Al Jazeera, after the Barcelona midfielder was booked in both group matches. Mikel Oyarzabal is also among the players drawing attention after scoring twice against Saudi Arabia.
Uruguay try to cut out errors
Uruguay have drawn both group games, 1-1 against Saudi Arabia and 2-2 against Cape Verde, according to Al Jazeera. Marcelo Bielsa’s side conceded from a long-range free kick against Cape Verde, recovered to lead, then allowed another goal in a match Uruguay pushed late to win.
Bielsa said responsibility for Uruguay’s organisational mistakes falls on the head coach, according to Al Jazeera. He added that there was “no magical recipe” to fix the problems and said Uruguay had paid a high price for them.
Al Jazeera reported that Darwin Nunez made an impact as a substitute and could push for a start. Uruguay remain without defender Ronald Araujo and attacking midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta.
Opta gives Spain a 62.2% chance of winning, according to Al Jazeera, with Uruguay at 15.8% and the draw at 22.1%. Spain are unbeaten in 10 meetings with Uruguay over the past 76 years, with five wins and five draws; their two World Cup meetings ended 2-2 in 1950 and 0-0 in 1990.
Predicted lineups
- Uruguay: Muslera; Varela, Olivera, Caceres, Sanabria; Bentancur, Ugarte; Canobbio, Valverde, M. Araujo; Nunez.
- Spain: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri; Ruiz, Olmo; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.