Spain nationwide staff coach Luis de la Fuente known as striker Mikel Oyarzabal a “big amongst giants” forward of the ultimate World Cup Group H match.
La Roja defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0, with Oyarzabal scoring two targets and offering one help, and can now head into the match in opposition to Uruguay on the high of their group.
With this victory, Oyarzabal turned the second participant (since 1966) to attain three targets within the first 25 minutes of a World Cup match, after Hungary’s Laszlo Fazekas (one aim, two assists) in opposition to El Salvador in 1982.
For the reason that begin of 2025, Oyarzabal has contributed 21 targets (14 targets, 7 assists) in simply 14 worldwide appearances in all competitions, virtually thrice as many as another Spanish participant on the time (Miquel Merino has the subsequent most targets with 8).
De la Fuente was blissful to see Oyarzabal gaining extra respect in his residence nation after his efficiency, whereas additionally praising Oyarzabal much more himself.
“Mikel Oyarzabal, a large of giants. We’re lastly beginning to give him the popularity he deserves in Spain, which is nice,” mentioned the Spanish coach.
“Oyarzabal is a really clever particular person and it’s evident on the pitch.
“For me, he is among the finest forwards who is sweet at enjoying in areas and between the strains… There are only a few footballers who perceive the sport like that.
“It’s a must to know tips on how to keep grounded, and he is aware of that. He is calm and picked up. I am impressed with him day by day.”
The final successful staff earlier than going through Uruguay. #VamosEspaña | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/T1QxDzGKLa
— Spanish Males’s Soccer Crew (@SEFutbol) June 25, 2026
Uruguay and Spain will meet for the third time within the World Cup, however the earlier two conferences resulted in attracts (2-2 in 1950 and 0-0 in 1990).
Spain gained the ultimate group stage match in every World Cup match from 1986 to 2014, however have didn’t win the final two tournaments (2-2 in opposition to Morocco in 2018 and 1-2 in opposition to Japan in 2022).
“Uruguay are a troublesome opponent,” added de la Fuente. “Their gamers are enjoying in Europe, Mexico, Brazil… They are going to demand the perfect from us. Each sport is totally different.
“Uruguay are asking so much and so much is at stake, in order that they should step up. We’ll attempt to take the initiative.”
