Spain seeks reaction against Saudi Arabia after Cape Verde draw raises World Cup doubts
After a shock goalless draw with debutants Cape Verde, European champions Spain need a convincing performance against a well-drilled Saudi Arabia side that held Uruguay 1-1.
Stuttering start
Spain opened their Group H campaign with a 0-0 draw against 63rd-ranked Cape Verde, a result that left fans and pundits questioning the European champions' sharpness. Coach Luis de la Fuente admitted his side lacked finesse and clarity, and that Ferran Torres hitting the bar could have changed the narrative. With Uruguay and Saudi Arabia also drawing 1-1, all four teams sit level on a single point, but Spain's performance was far below expectations.
We lacked finesse and clarity. If Ferran's shot had gone in, we wouldn't be having this conversation.
The stalemate prompted debates over Pedri's positioning, Gavi's role on the left, Rodri's ball losses and the inclusion of semi-fit players. Yet the mood inside the camp remained calm, with defender Aymeric Laporte pointing to a 32-game unbeaten run in competitive fixtures.
We're a bit upset, but we also know we've gone 32 matches without losing. That gives us ambition for the future, to say here we are and we're going to win.
Yamal's return to the stage
The brightest prospect, Lamine Yamal, played only 20 minutes against Cape Verde as part of a managed workload after an injury layoff. De la Fuente revealed the plan is to increase his minutes step by step: 50 to 60 against Saudi Arabia and a full 90 against Uruguay on June 26. Yamal is dying to show the world his football potential, the coach said, adding that the 18-year-old is improving every day.
- 20 minutes vs Cape Verde
- Expected 50-60 minutes vs Saudi Arabia
- Expected full 90 minutes vs Uruguay
Saudi Arabia's defensive wall
Saudi Arabia, under new Greek coach Georgios Donis after Hervé Renard's dismissal in April, have become a disciplined defensive unit. They kept a clean sheet in ten qualifiers and frustrated Uruguay's star-studded attack in a 1-1 draw, with Real Madrid's Fede Valverde admitting his team rushed and left frustrated. Goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, who plays in the Saudi second division, was the hero in that match and is likely to test Spain's finishing again.
We rushed to win without playing our game and we left frustrated.
However, Saudi Arabia's attack remains blunt, with little creativity in the final third, something Spain will aim to exploit while remaining patient against a low block.
Stakes for La Roja
A win is vital to keep control of the group and avoid a potential round-of-16 clash with title holders Argentina. Even though eight of the best third-placed teams advance this year, Spain want top spot to secure a more favorable path. The match kicks off at 18:00 Spanish time (12:00 local) at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with broadcast on La 1, RTVE Play, DAZN and Movistar+. Uruguay face Cape Verde later that night.
