Spain defender Aymeric Laporte has warned that Uruguay will likely come out with real intensity in their World Cup clash, insisting the European champions cannot afford to be caught off guard as Marcelo Bielsa’s team looks to avoid an early exit.
Key takeaways
- Aymeric Laporte expects Uruguay to press hard and go “all out” in Guadalajara.
- Spain can secure top spot in Group H with a draw in the match tomorrow.
- A Uruguay defeat would nearly certainly end their tournament after earlier draws versus Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.
- Spain’s tournament momentum improved after they had to settle for a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, then beat Saudi Arabia 4-0.
- Laporte highlighted a strong personal connection to Bielsa, who gave him his Athletic Bilbao debut.
Spain’s message ahead of Uruguay test
Laporte said Spain must be prepared for an aggressive Uruguay approach as the South American side attempt to steer clear of an embarrassing early departure from the competition. The defender framed the situation as a familiar one: if the roles were reversed, Spain would also be expected to throw everything into the game.
With the match scheduled for Guadalajara tomorrow, Laporte suggested that the pressure of a must-win mindset will shape Uruguay’s tactics. He also stressed that Spain’s progress is still within their control, adding that the standard for a former winner aiming to move beyond the group stage is clear.
“I think it’s clear they’re going to go all out, just as we would if we were in their position,” Laporte told a press conference. “That’s the standard for a previous winner that for sure aspires to advance past the group stage, but our fate is in our own hands.
“We know what we have to do, we are highly motivated to finish the group stage successfully and both teams will go all out.”
Group H context and Bielsa connection
Uruguay’s situation has already taken a hit in the early rounds. After drawing their first two matches—first with Saudi Arabia and then with Cape Verde—their path narrows dramatically. A loss to Spain would almost certainly consign Bielsa’s team to elimination, given their points position.
Spain, meanwhile, had a slow start, managing only a goalless draw against Cape Verde. They responded strongly afterward, with a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia boosted by the return of Lamine Yamal.
Laporte will also meet a familiar figure on the touchline in Bielsa. The coach previously gave him his debut during their time together at Athletic Bilbao, and Laporte noted that their connection has continued beyond that period.
It is Bielsa’s third World Cup, but his tenure with Uruguay has drawn heavy criticism, particularly for failing to build a close rapport with his players since taking charge. Despite the wider scrutiny, Laporte offered nothing but praise for the Argentine.
“He gave me my debut and then we crossed paths again in England,” Laporte said. “We’ve spoken many times and I can only thank him for what he did for me.”
