Preview: Spain and Uruguay out to wrap up progression to the Round of 32

---

By Matt Smith

---

There’s a chance they both advance, as they currently sit in the top two as it stands.

This is the first meeting between the two sides since 2013, when Spain secured a 2-1 victory in the Confederations Cup. Their last meeting in the World Cup came back in 1990, when a 0-0 draw was played out in Italy.

Team news

Uruguay will be out without both Ronald Araújo and Giorgian de Arrascaeta for their game against Spain this weekend. Despite that, there should be no fresh injury concerns for the South American side. 

Spain are likely to be without new Liverpool signing Víctor Muñoz heading into this game, but Spain were boosted by the return of Lamine Yamal to the starting XI last time out. There should be no fresh injury concerns for Spain after everyone came through unscathed against Saudi Arabia. 

Who’s going to have the ball?

Spain are certainly known for their possession-based style of play, looking to dominate the ball and break down the opposition slowly. Spain have had the joint-most possession in the tournament so far, and interestingly, opponents, Uruguay, are in third.

It will be interesting to see which side stamps its authority on the game and looks to dominate possession. It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise if Uruguay altered their style for this one. Despite dominating both games in the group stage so far, Uruguay have struggled, failing to beat both Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde. 

Spain could pass Uruguay to death

Spain have also had mixed results in the tournament so far, but there is no doubt they are sticking to and implementing their style of play. Luis de la Fuente‘s side have had the joint most possession at the tournament, whilst also completing the most passes per game comfortably.

It would be silly for Uruguay not to alter how they play in order to try to get a result here. Failing to beat Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde has been a major disappointment, and they know they’re going to struggle to go toe-to-toe with Spain when it comes to possession and passing.

45 minutes of Yamal is enough

Saudi Arabia would have been disappointed to see Lamine Yamal start last time out and delighted when he was taken off at half-time. Spain are clearly managing his minutes at the moment, but 45 minutes were enough for him to make a significant impact. 

No player managed more shots than Yamal, despite him coming off at half-time. He also created a chance, scored a goal and had five touches inside the opposition box. De La Fuente will likely want to give him more minutes ahead of the knockouts, and he’s going to be the danger man for Uruguay to keep an eye on. 

Prediction

Spain need a victory to ensure they finish in first place, and considering they’ve not conceded a goal yet, we think they will secure the win. We’re going for a 2-0 Spain win.

---

(Cover image from IMAGO)

---

You can follow every game from the World Cup with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, physical metrics, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Add FotMob as a preferred news source on Google by clicking – here.