{"id":46277,"date":"2026-06-26T09:45:11","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T09:45:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/46277\/"},"modified":"2026-06-26T09:45:11","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T09:45:11","slug":"luis-de-la-fuente-wants-spain-to-do-better-in-bid-to-secure-top-spot-the-irish-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/46277\/","title":{"rendered":"Luis de la Fuente wants Spain to do better in bid to secure top spot \u2013 The Irish News"},"content":{"rendered":"

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has told his players they must take another step forward as they look to secure top spot in Group H against Uruguay.<\/p>\n

After a surprise 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in their World Cup opener, Spain delivered a more convincing 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia last time out, but Uruguay will pose a tougher test of a side with their sights set on going all the way in the tournament.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to be the best version of ourselves with every passing game,\u201d De la Fuente said. \u201cEvery time our opponents become harder to defeat. Our purpose is to get to the final on July 19 and to do that we need to continue improving with each passing game.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had a very good match the last time but that is not enough. We need better performances, better concentration and more assurance because our opponent will be harder to defeat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Ospreys<\/a>\"PFL<\/a><\/p>\n

\ud83e\udde4 Big saves start on the training pitch.<\/p>\n

Ready for whatever Uruguay throws our way. \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8\ud83d\udcaa#VamosEspa\u00f1a<\/a> | #FIFAWorldCup<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/yVhGYYI3gT<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) June 26, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Spain go into the match top of the group with four points, and do not necessarily need to win \u2013 a draw would be enough for top spot providing Cape Verde do not beat Saudi Arabia by five or more goals.<\/p>\n

Lamine Yamal is expected to start again as the Barcelona youngster, who scored the opener against Saudi Arabia, continues to build his fitness.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe performance we delivered in the last match does not call for us to make changes, but I am very pleased with what the players who came on as substitutes produced and with what I see in training,\u201d De la Fuente added.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoever plays will put in a good performance. We will carry out a final review this evening but I already know who will play.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"MarceloMarcelo Bielsa and Uruguay are under pressure after two draws in their opening two matches (Bradley Collyer\/PA) <\/p>\n

Uruguay come into the match under big pressure after two underwhelming draws have left them at risk of an early exit.<\/p>\n

While a win would see them go through, a draw would only be enough to get a top-two finish if the other group fixture also ends all square. Their path to advance as a third-placed side is narrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are approaching tomorrow\u2019s match as \u200ba final,\u201d coach Marcelo Bielsa said. \u201cOne of the best ways to defend is to \u200bmake sure the \u200bopponent has \u2060the ball for less time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Uruguay will be without Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, sidelined with a calf injury, as is Giorgian de Arrascaeta.<\/p>\n