Spain – Saudi Arabia

The Spaniards are unlikely to face any difficulties in their clash with Saudi Arabia's national team.

Spain's national team arrived in North America as the World Cup's most prestigious representative. Its status is based on practical and theoretical factors. Among the first factors is the respect for the team, which is the reigning champion of the European Championship and the UEFA Nations League. Among the second factors is the bookmakers' view, which before the start of the World Cup rated the Spaniards as favorites. Unfortunately for the Red Fury fans, their place at the top of the World Cup title contenders ranking has already been taken by French players who performed better in the opening round. Spain's opening match at the World Cup can't be called a catastrophe either. If you look strictly at the bare result of its clash with Cape Verde, questions certainly arise. Another thing is that the African World Cup debutant demonstrated such calm and disciplined defensive organization that it will likely prove itself worthy several more times during this tournament. Despite Cabo Verde's compact defense, Spain created many chances that were not converted. Lamine Yamal came on the field only in the closing minutes of the match, but he too was overwhelmed by the Africans' tough defense. The Red Fury should not fall into depression early, because in the second round they will again face a warm-up opponent who can easily forgive certain mistakes. At the same time, Saudi Arabia must be beaten convincingly, otherwise you can indeed face self-doubt, which is especially ill-timed ahead of the Uruguay game. Saudi Arabia, on the contrary, has gained confidence in the first World Cup match. In the 41st minute of the match against Uruguay, Abdullah Al-Amri scored, after which the Asian confederation's representative fell back into deep defense. Not once and not twice did the South Americans manage to equalize, but they did so only in the 80th minute. The final score 1-1 boosts the Saudis' chances in the race for third place. Spain has a strong track record of defeating Saudi Arabia. In 2012, thanks to Pedro, Xavi, Villa, and Cazorla, the opponents conceded five unanswered goals. Spain will win convincingly.