Uruguay pushed for victory against Cape Verde but were unable to turn pressure into a decisive breakthrough. The late stages became increasingly chaotic, with Cape Verde even threatening to snatch the points.
That result extended Uruguay’s winless start to the group and revived questions about their attacking authority. They were expected to control matches against the tournament’s outsiders, yet two disciplined opponents have frustrated them.
The problem is not only the lack of victories. Uruguay have also struggled to impose the tempo and territory expected from an established side, leaving little room for error against Spain.
Spain were held 0-0 by Cape Verde, but their response against Saudi Arabia was immediate. They were in control inside the opening 24 minutes, with Lamine Yamal scoring his first World Cup goal before Mikel Oyarzabal added two more.
That attacking output changes the feel of the final group game. Spain’s four changes to the starting side were rewarded with a sharper performance, and the result eased concerns that the team might become bogged down in another slow contest.
Yamal’s threat from wide areas and Oyarzabal’s finishing give Spain a more varied attacking profile than Uruguay’s recent displays have shown.
Uruguay now need a response against the strongest opponent in their section. Spain, by contrast, can approach the fixture with confidence after converting early control into a clear win.
Cape Verde’s draw with Uruguay also keeps their own campaign alive ahead of the meeting with Saudi Arabia, adding further pressure to every result.
The next storyline is whether Uruguay can rediscover their attacking edge when the margin for another stalemate has virtually disappeared. Spain will look to turn their renewed confidence into control of the group.