Group H reaches its conclusion on Saturday morning South African time as Cape Verde take on Saudi Arabia while Uruguay and Spain meet in a crucial encounter that will decide the final standings. We take a look at both fixtures from a betting perspective.
Group H Update
Spain currently lead Group H on four points after recording one win and one draw from their opening two matches. Uruguay and Cape Verde are level on two points, while Saudi Arabia sit bottom with one point.
Qualification remains wide open heading into the final round. Spain require only a draw against Uruguay to guarantee progression, while Uruguay know that a victory would secure their place in the Round of 32 and could even see them finish top of the group.
Cape Verde also remain firmly in contention after drawing both of their opening fixtures. A victory over Saudi Arabia would see them progressing. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, must claim all three points and they could finish 2nd or have a chance of going through as one of the 8 best 3rd placed teams.
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
Cape Verde have been one of the surprise packages in the group and remain unbeaten after two rounds of action. They opened their World Cup campaign with an impressive goalless draw against Spain, frustrating one of the tournament favourites through a disciplined defensive display and limiting them to very few clear opportunities.
Their second outing produced an entertaining 2-2 draw against Uruguay. Kevin Lenini handed Cape Verde the lead in the 21st minute before Uruguay struck twice late in the first-half. Cape Verde refused to fold, however, and Helio Varela equalised shortly after the hour mark to earn a valuable point and keep qualification hopes alive.
Saudi Arabia began the tournament with a hard fought 1-1 draw against Uruguay. Abdulelah Al-Amri gave the Saudis the lead four minutes before half-time and they looked set for a famous victory before Maximiliano Araújo levelled matters in the 80th minute.
Their second fixture proved far more difficult as they suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat against Spain. Spain found the net three times before the break and an own goal from Hassan Tambakti shortly after the interval completed a disappointing evening and left Saudi Arabia facing an uphill battle heading into the final round.
Head-to-Head
There have been no previous meetings between these nations.
Betting – Click here to bet
Cape Verde 2.50
Draw 3.50
Saudi Arabia 2.90
Verdict
Cape Verde have impressed throughout the tournament and have shown they are capable of competing against stronger opposition. They held Spain to a draw and twice demonstrated resilience against Uruguay. Saudi Arabia performed admirably against Uruguay but looked vulnerable defensively against Spain and have conceded five goals across their opening two matches. With Cape Verde carrying greater momentum into the contest, I am expecting them to secure a historic World Cup victory.
BET: Cape Verde to Win at 2.50
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Uruguay vs Spain
Uruguay head into the final group fixture unbeaten but still searching for their first victory of the tournament. Their opening match ended in a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia after Maximiliano Araújo rescued a point with a late equaliser following their oppositions first-half opener.
They were then involved in another entertaining contest against Cape Verde. Uruguay recovered from an early deficit thanks to goals from Maximiliano Araújo and Agustín Canobbio before surrendering their advantage in the second-half as Helio Varela struck to make it 2-2.
Spain recovered from a frustrating start to the competition to place themselves in a strong position heading into the final round. Their tournament began with a shock 0-0 draw against Cape Verde despite dominating possession and entering the match as overwhelming favourites.
Despite this the side responded in emphatic fashion against Saudi Arabia. Lamine Yamal broke the deadlock inside ten minutes before Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice in quick succession to put the result beyond doubt. An own goal shortly after half-time concluded a superb 4-0 victory and moved Spain to the summit of Group H.
Head-to-Head
The last six meetings between the nations have produced four wins for Spain and two draws. Their most recent competitive encounter ended in a 2-1 victory for Spain during the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013.
Betting – Click here to bet
Uruguay 6.75
Draw 4.50
Spain 1.53
Verdict
Spain produced one of the most convincing performances of the second round and appear to be building momentum at the perfect time. Uruguay have proven difficult to beat but have drawn both matches and conceded goals in each outing. Spain possess superior quality throughout the pitch and should have enough firepower to secure top spot in the group with a victory here.
BET: Spain to Win and Over 1.5 Goals at 1.87
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
