Saudi Sees Spain Upset Chance Rise if Yamal, Williams Miss Group Game 2
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Jun 21
Saudi Sees Spain Upset Chance Rise if Yamal, Williams Miss Group Game 2
3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Jun 21
Summary
Georgios Donis said Saudi Arabia's upset hopes against Spain on Sunday improve sharply if Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams do not start after both returned from injury as substitutes.
Spain's 0-0 draw with Cape Verde reinforced that view, Donis said, arguing Spain keeps possession without the pair but loses one-on-one penetration and attacks differently.
Saudi opened with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay, but Donis said his team will likely face more pressure in its final group match against Cape Verde, which he sees as more decisive for reaching the last 32.
Against Spain, Donis expects Saudi to have little possession and wants a more compact, organized defensive display, while Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said only that Yamal is fit again and his minutes remain undecided.