One of the standout fixtures of the final group stage sees Spain and Uruguay meet with first place in Group H still on the line. Spain know a draw should be enough to finish top, while Uruguay almost certainly need victory to remove any doubt about their place in the knockout rounds.

After taking contrasting routes through their opening two matches, both nations now face their toughest examination of the tournament so far.

Spain have found their rhythm

Spain looked strangely flat against Cape Verde, dominating possession without ever finding the breakthrough in a frustrating goalless draw.

The response against Saudi Arabia could hardly have been more convincing. Luis de la Fuente’s side rediscovered the speed and movement that have made them one of Europe’s strongest teams, sweeping to a 4-0 victory as Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice and Lamine Yamal immediately justified his return to the starting XI. The teenager brought urgency to every attack, while Spain’s pressing high up the pitch prevented Saudi Arabia from ever settling into the contest.

That performance leaves La Roja in an excellent position. Avoid defeat and they should finish top of the group, but there is little reason to expect Spain to approach the game conservatively. De la Fuente has consistently encouraged his players to dominate possession rather than protect situations.

Uruguay running out of room for error

Uruguay have remained unbeaten, yet two draws have left Marcelo Bielsa’s side with work still to do.

Neither the 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia nor the entertaining 2-2 encounter with Cape Verde fully reflected the quality available in the squad. Uruguay created promising situations in both matches but lacked the ruthlessness normally associated with Bielsa’s teams.

That inconsistency now places greater importance on the final group fixture.Victory would guarantee qualification and could even deliver first place depending on the outcome elsewhere. Anything less leaves Uruguay relying on other results, an uncomfortable position given how unpredictable the expanded tournament has already proved. Introducing Darwin Nunez from the start could provide the directness that has been missing at key moments.

Team news

Uruguay remain without Ronald Araujo and Giorgian de Arrascaeta through calf injuries. Bielsa is expected to hand Darwin Nunez a starting role after using Federico Vinas in the opening two matches, while Agustin Canobbio and Maxi Araujo should continue after encouraging performances against Cape Verde.

Spain have no significant new injury concerns. Lamine Yamal is set to keep his place after starring against Saudi Arabia, while Nico Williams is pushing for his first start of the tournament. Dani Olmo’s display in midfield should also earn him another opportunity from the opening whistle.

Verdict

This promises to be one of the highest-quality matches of the final group round. Uruguay possess enough attacking talent to trouble Spain, particularly if Bielsa opts for a more adventurous approach, but La Roja finally look to have settled into the tournament. Their movement, technical quality and improved balance against Saudi Arabia suggested a side beginning to peak at exactly the right moment.

Expect Uruguay to make life uncomfortable, but Spain have the greater variety in attack and should do enough to secure first place in Group H.

Tip: Spain to win.