Uruguay must beat Spain to have a realistic chance of reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup. Dani Olme says that “the time has come” for a new star to grace Spain’s shirt.
Spain won the World Cup in 2010, but has had a difficult period since. They have only won three games in the championships in 2014, 2018 and 2022 – with the last eight as their best result. However, the European Championship triumph in 2024 has raised hopes that they can secure another World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
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At the start, however, they were slow with a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde. But in the last game, they seemed to have found their great form again – with a 4-0 win against Saudi Arabia in Atlanta. With four points, they are all but ready for the last eight, and a draw against Uruguay will probably be enough for group victory.
“The time has come for the second star,” Olmo says to AS.
“We have that quality – both on the pitch and as people. It’s an opportunity we have, and we know we can rely on ourselves.
Barcelona player Olmo was brought back into the starting eleven against Saudi Arabia, and worked well with club teammate Lamine Yamal – who was making his first start since a hamstring injury.
“We talk a little, but we already know what the other person wants just by looking at each other. I’ve played with him for a long time, I know what he likes – and what motivates him,” says Olmo.
While Spain are all but ahead, the situation is completely different for Uruguay. They have only two draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde. Marcelo Bielsa must at least draw against Spain – and hope it is enough for one of the eight best third places.
Former Uruguay and Barcelona striker Luis Suárez has faith:
“We like this type of situation. We’d rather not be here, but it’s our turn now – and we hope the coach chooses the right path so that Uruguay can play a good game on Friday.
“We have shown it in the second World Cup, and now we have to show courage, self-criticism and group strength. That’s what is needed in such a situation,” says Suárez.
Team news for Uruguay vs Spain
Ronald Araujo and Giorgian de Arrascaeta are both out for Uruguay. Victor Munoz is still out for Spain, but Nico Williams is ready and could replace Alex Baena on the left wing.
Predicted line-ups
Uruguay (4-4-2): Muslera – Varela, Giménez, Cáceres, Olivera – Bentancur, Ugarte, Valverde – Canobbio, Núñez, Araujo
Spain (4-3-3): Simón – Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella – Pedri, Rodri, Olmo – Yamal, Oyarzabal, N. Williams
Key figures for Uruguay vs. Spain
- Spain have won five and drawn five in ten previous meetings with Uruguay.
- Their last meeting was in the Confederations Cup in 2013 – Spain won 2–1.
- Spain are unbeaten in their last 33 matches.
- Uruguay have not won any of their last six matches – five draws.
Uruguay vs. Spain prediction
Uruguay will need to attack to win – and that could open up space for Lamine Yamal on the counter-attack. If Spain plays at their best, they win.
Prediction: Uruguay 0-2 Spain
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