Spain entered the World Cup as one of the favourites but after an underwhelming display against Cape Verde, the European champions need a sharper attacking edge against Saudi Arabia in Group H on Sunday.
Luis de la Fuente’s side were held to a shock 0-0 draw by the World Cup debutants in Atlanta on Monday and return to the same stadium to face Saudi Arabia, who also drew their opener 1-1, against Uruguay. Spain and Uruguay were expected to take the top two places in the group, with Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde left to battle for one of the best third-placed spots. Instead, all four have a point each.
“Spain need a sharper edge against Saudi Arabia after shock 0-0 draw with Cape Verde.”
De la Fuente may opt to start the winger Lamine Yamal to inject some pace in attack. Before the Cape Verde game, the Spanish manager said the introduction of Yamal from the bench would depend on how the match was progressing, with the 18-year-old returning from injury. He can hardly have expected the need to turn to Yamal in an effort to win the game, and while the teenager did spark life into Spain for the final 20 minutes, it was not enough.
“There was a stir over a draw and in the end many teams have drawn, it means nothing,” Yamal said. “For me, winning the first game 6-0 doesn’t help you at all, then you have to win the knockout rounds.”
Nico Williams also came off the bench late, and both he and Yamal may get the nod this time, with the ineffectual Gavi and misfiring Ferran Torres poised to make way. Yamal, however, is not ready to play a full match, so the manager must decide whether to start him and hope to get the job done, or keep him in reserve again.
The striker Mikel Oyarzabal failed to touch the ball in the opening half an hour against Cape Verde. Those behind him enjoyed plenty of possession but did very little with it. Spain may not be overly concerned with the opening result: but it is the performance which was worrying.
Saudi Arabia caused an upset four years ago when they beat the eventual winners Argentina in their opening game, and after frustrating another South American side, they will be buoyed with confidence. The only time the Saudis advanced past the group stage was in 1994, the last time the US hosted the World Cup. The manager Georgios Donis is expected to field a mostly unchanged side to the one which earned a valuable point against Uruguay.
Later today, co-hosts USA face Australia in Seattle at 8pm BST. Winners will qualify for the round of 32 with a game to spare and take control of Group D.