Spain one point from World Cup last 32 after 4-0 rout of Saudi Arabia and Uruguay's Cape Verde slip
A 4-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia and Uruguay's 2-2 draw with Cape Verde leave Spain needing only a point against Uruguay on Saturday to top Group H and avoid Argentina in the last 32.
Spain back on track
Spain bounced back from a goalless draw with Cape Verde by thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Atlanta on Sunday. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring, becoming the second youngest Spanish scorer at a World Cup, before Mikel Oyarzabal added two goals and an own goal completed the rout. The win lifted Spain to four points and top of Group H.
Cape Verde shock Uruguay
Hours later in Miami, Uruguay twice led but were pegged back by Cape Verde in a 2-2 draw. Kevin Pina scored Cape Verde's first ever World Cup goal with a long-range free-kick, and Hélio Varela capitalised on a Fernando Muslera error to equalise after Maxi Araújo and Canobbio had put Uruguay ahead. The result leaves Uruguay winless with two points and in danger of elimination, with the absence of retired striker Luis Suárez keenly felt.
What Spain needs to advance
Spain will reach the last 32 with a draw against Uruguay on Saturday. Topping the group requires a win, or a draw combined with Cape Verde not beating Saudi Arabia by more than four goals. A Spanish defeat and a Cape Verde win would drop Spain to third, though four points and a +4 goal difference would almost certainly be enough to advance as one of the best third-placed teams. The decisive matches kick off simultaneously at 02:00 Spanish time on Saturday 27 June, with Spain facing Uruguay in Guadalajara, Mexico.
- Spain defeats Saudi Arabia 4-0 (Yamal, Oyarzabal x2, own goal)
- Uruguay draws 2-2 with Cape Verde (Pina, Araújo, Canobbio, Varela)
- Spain vs Uruguay (02:00 CEST); a draw secures top spot in Group H
- Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia; Cape Verde must win by 4+ goals to overtake Spain on goal difference if Spain draws
The road ahead
Finishing first would pair Spain with the runner-up from Group J, likely Austria, and avoid a last-32 clash with Lionel Messi's Argentina. A second-place finish would mean facing the Group J winner, probably Argentina. If Spain end third, possible opponents include Mexico, England, France or Belgium.
Heat and a halftime switch
Temperatures of 30°C in Atlanta prompted Spain coach Luis de la Fuente to swap his suit and tie for a navy polo shirt at halftime.
It was very hot despite the air conditioning and I was more comfortable in sportswear.
Maldini's warning
COPE analyst Maldini cautioned that Uruguay will be a tough defensive test despite Spain's superiority.
Uruguay is a team that defends very well. It's going to be a more complicated match.
I think Spain will win, but it will be a very even duel. Luckily, a draw will be enough for us.
