Spain's World Cup Reshuffle
Spain makes attacking changes, aims for first World Cup win versus stubborn Saudi Arabia.
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Key Points
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Spain are expected to reshape their attack by starting wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, with Gavi and Ferran Torres dropped after the opener; forward Víctor Muñoz is also expected to miss the match due to a hamstring issue.
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Saudi Arabia manager Georgios Donis plans to keep a defensive structure intact and counter through Firas Al-Buraikan and Musab Al-Juwayr; the game is set to be refereed by Brazilian official Raphael Claus (with assistants Danilo Manis and Rodrigo Figueiredo), tournament debut for Claus.
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Cape Verde’s coach Pedro Leitao Brito (“Bubista”) said his team will play “without fear” against Uruguay and stressed an intent to compete in all matches with courage and organisation; goalkeeper Vozinha’s mother is also expected to be watching in Miami after arriving on a US visa.
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In Group G, Belgium vs Iran is framed as one of the day’s closest matchups after Belgium opened with a 1-1 draw against Egypt and Iran played a 2-2 draw with New Zealand; importantly, the report notes no team in Groups G or H can qualify or be eliminated on Matchday 11.
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Saudi Arabia’s opening draw against Uruguay was described as a lead-and-reply affair: Abdulelah Al-Amri put Saudi ahead before Maximiliano Araujo equalised late, with goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais making enough saves to suggest Saudi will defend deep and aim to frustrate again.
Spain returns to Atlanta on June 21 desperate for three points after a humbling 0-0 draw with tournament debutants Cape Verde. Both Spain and Saudi Arabia sit on one point in Group H, making this match the most important of the early group stage for either side. RFI reported that Spain fired 27 shots against Cape Verde without scoring — a number that has fueled fierce criticism back home.
Coach Luis de la Fuente pushed back hard against the backlash. "There is no drama or crisis," he said, according to NDTV Sports. "The bottom line is simply that we need to win tomorrow." Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, held Uruguay to a 1-1 draw despite just 27% possession, showing they are capable of making life very difficult for a frustrated Spain attack.
Yamal's Hamstring and Spain's Attack Reshuffle
The biggest question surrounding Spain is whether Lamine Yamal can start. The 18-year-old forward tore his left hamstring in April and admitted it is "too soon" to play 90 minutes, according to Al Jazeera. He appeared only as a late substitute against Cape Verde. The expectation is that he could start but be managed carefully.
Spain is set to shake up its attack significantly. Views Bangladesh noted that Nico Williams is expected to join Yamal on the wings, while Gavi and Ferran Torres are likely dropped after the opener. Forward Víctor Muñoz is also reportedly out with a hamstring issue of his own. De la Fuente defended captain Rodri against growing media criticism, calling him the "best player in the world" and labeling the scrutiny "insulting," per Daily Sun.
Saudi Arabia Plans to Defend Deep and Hit on the Counter
Saudi coach Georgios Donis was appointed only in April, replacing Hervé Renard. He has built his game plan around a low defensive block — keeping shape and frustrating opponents. Against Uruguay, Saudi Arabia held just 27% of the ball but still took the lead through Abdulelah Al-Amri in the 41st minute, per FIFA.
Goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais made several key saves against Uruguay to earn the draw. Donis plans to use Firas Al-Buraikan and Musab Al-Juwayr as counter-attacking outlets. BSS News reported that Brazilian referee Raphael Claus will officiate the match — his tournament debut — with assistants Danilo Manis and Rodrigo Figueiredo.
Cape Verde's Fairy Tale Continues in Miami Against Uruguay
While Spain and Saudi Arabia clash in Atlanta, Cape Verde take on Uruguay in Miami. The Blue Sharks shocked the world with their 0-0 draw against Spain, and goalkeeper Vozinha became a global star overnight — reaching 14.6 million Instagram followers, according to Cuba Headlines. His mother flew in on an expedited U.S. visa to watch the match in person.
Coach Bubista said his team will play "without fear" and stressed that Cape Verde intend to compete in every match with courage and organisation. Uruguay, led by Marcelo Bielsa, managed 63% possession against Saudi Arabia but still failed to win. A loss today would put Bielsa under enormous pressure heading into the final group match.
Belgium vs Iran Headlines a Tight Group G Matchday
Group G also resumes on June 21, with Belgium facing Iran in Inglewood. Belgium opened with a 1-1 draw against Egypt, saved by a second-half own goal. Iran played a dramatic 2-2 draw with New Zealand. Both teams are level on one point, making this a high-stakes battle even if no team can be eliminated yet.
The match carries political undertones given U.S.-Iran tensions, though team officials have kept focus on football. New Zealand faces Egypt in the other Group G game. No team in either Group G or H can mathematically qualify or be eliminated on Matchday 11 — but a win for Belgium or Spain would give a near-certain four-point cushion heading into the final round.
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