Uruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa don admit say im team face tough test for World Cup 2026 later today when dem go come up against Lamine Yamal and Spain.
La Roja na one of di favorites for victory for di tournament, with Yamal don score im first World Cup goal on im first start last time out against Saudi Arabia.
Bielsa wey dem ask about Yamal and im plans to face Spain ahead of di game, tell reporters say: ‘He’s a game-changer. There will be arguments with the player who regularly faces him over position on the field. There will be help from the Uruguayan players to overshadow him because he’s a game-changer and a decisive player.’
‘Do what we always do. Against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde we had ups and downs; what I want is for the team to be dynamic, to take the lead, and for us to be able to do so against a superior opponent to the previous two.’
‘Spain’s style of play is based on teamwork. Creating plays is a priority in all aspects of their game, so defending will be crucial and won’t be easy. One of the best ways to defend is to limit the opponent’s possession, and we’ll try to do just that.’
Uruguay’s preparations for di game don dey marred by talk of unrest for di camp, with claims players dey unhappy with Bielsa’s tactics and intense training sessions.
Winger Nico Williams don tok say im ready to join teammate Lamine Yamal for Spain’s starting 11 for dia crucial Group H game with Uruguay on Friday.
Spain top di group ahead of di match for Guadalajara, Mexico — after beating Saudi Arabia 4-0 for dia last game, with back-from-injury Yamal play starring role — but still need result to confirm dia qualification for first place, and avoid potential clash with Argentina for di round of 32.
Yamal play 45 minutes against Saudi Arabia for Atlanta, while Williams na limited to half-hour cameo.
‘Physically I feel good,’ Williams tell journalists ahead of Spain training for Guadalajara on Thursday. ‘But I still need to find competitive rhythm, that spark that defines me. That will come, with the extra training I’m doing.’
Williams wey key to Spain’s success for Euro 2024, say whether im come into di starting line-up or not go be decided by coach Luis de la Fuente.
‘I’ll keep working as I have been,’ im tok. ‘If the boss gives me a chance, that will be welcome, if not, I’ll keep working hard and supporting my teammates. No, there’d be no problem starting.’
Williams praise di tournament performances of stars like Lionel Messi so far. ‘Messi doesn’t surprise me,’ im tok. ‘Messi is Messi. He does the things he does, he’s incredible. And as well there’s Vinícius, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, competing for the Golden Boot. I hope we can be clinical in front of goal, and see the best of Lamine, too.’
For Spain’s game with Saudi Arabia, Pedro Porro come into di side at right-back and link up well with Yamal.
‘It’s a privilege to play with him,’ Porro tok. ‘There are various aspects of the game which you have to bear in mind when you have a player like Lamine in front of you, but that’s all. I’ve played a lot of games with him already, and over time we understand each other better.’
Winger Yéremy Pino praise de la Fuente’s role for managing di squad. ‘He’s been so impressive with me,’ Pino tok. ‘In the way he treated me, when I came back from a long-term injury. He supported me. For me and the group he’s essential, he helps this team grow and believe in itself.’
