Notícia

"Let's see it as a final", says Bielsa before Uruguay x Spain

Por Equipe Editorial CifraNET · 26/06/2026

Coach Marcelo Bielsa stated that Uruguay sees this Friday's duel (26) against Spain as a real decision. The team needs to win to guarantee their place in the round of 16 of the World Cup and avoid depending on other results.

In a press conference this Thursday, Bielsa said that no detail will be ignored for the Group H clash, in Guadalajara, at 9pm (Brasília time). The draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde left the team in a delicate situation in the fight for a place in the knockout stages.

Although a draw still maintains a remote possibility of qualifying via the third-placed route, the coach made it clear that the intention is to eliminate any doubts by winning the three points against the current European champions.

"We are seeing the game as a final," said Bielsa. According to him, Uruguay will need to act with dynamism and initiative against Spain, in addition to preventing the opponent from controlling possession of the ball during the match.

Bielsa wants Uruguay to keep the ball
The Argentine coach also ruled out an excessively defensive stance. For Bielsa, retreating and just waiting for the opponent is not part of the team's strategy for such an important clash in the World Cup.

"One of the best ways to defend is to ensure that the opponent spends less time with the ball", explained the Uruguayan commander when detailing the game proposal for this Friday's duel.

Bielsa also praised the work carried out by coach Luis de la Fuente at the head of the Spanish national team. In the coach's opinion, the current European champion plays "exquisite" football, capable of creating difficulties for any rival.