Uruguay vs Spain Predictions

• Spain have conceded only two shots on target at this tournament
• The European champions have allowed only eight touches inside their area across their opening two matches
• Uruguay have scored three times from 44 shots at goal so far
• The South American side have won only five of their previous 23 matches

Uruguay left with work to do

Dropped points against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde have left Uruguay needing at least a point against Spain in their final game in Group H.

The European champions hit their stride in their second match, thumping the Saudis 4-0 after their goalless draw with Cape Verde. Spain only need a point to secure top spot, but they won’t want to take a step backwards after a display which justified their position as tournament favourites.

Dominant Spain find their cutting edge

Lamine Yamal’s return to the starting lineup helped Spain pick up their first win, with the Barcelona winger netting their opening goal after only 10 minutes.

However, there was little difference in terms of their underlying numbers between their first and second matches. The European champions had 2.3 Expected Goals and eight shots on target against Saudi Arabia, while they finished with 2.1 xG and seven shots on target in their goalless draw with Cape Verde.

They completely dominated possession in both matches, and they gave very little away defensively as a result. Across their first 180 minutes of action, their opponents have managed a combined eight touches in Spain’s penalty box. They’ve given up a total of 0.34 xG, facing one shot on target per game.

Difficult challenge for wasteful Uruguay

Given how few chances Spain concede, this game doesn’t seem well-suited for Uruguay’s forward line. They’ve now won just five of their last 23 internationals, and a lack of cutting edge has been a real problem during that run.

Uruguay had 17 shots against Cape Verde, but they only managed to hit the target with two of those. Against Saudi Arabia, they had 27 efforts on goal, but fell to a 1-1 draw.

Spain won their first five qualifiers to nil to secure a place at the World Cup, and their possession-heavy style has allowed them to keep that impressive defensive record going. With Uruguay looking light on talent in forward areas, back Spain to secure another win to nil.