Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal has a sore body, a cool head and no appetite for a rest as his side prepare to face Uruguay, banking on the mayhem teammate Lamine Yamal can cause at the World Cup.
Oyarzabal's Physical Condition
Oyarzabal, who impressed with two goals and an assist for Yamal in Spain’s 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia on Sunday, spoke to the media three days before their Group H decider against Uruguay. He said the discomfort he felt after the game was not enough to make him consider sitting out.
“I’m fine, though a bit sore,” Oyarzabal told a press conference on Tuesday. “But everyone has a niggle or two when they’re in a tournament like this. I’m calm, I’m fine.”
There had been a brief moment of concern, he admitted, but the forward said the alarm had passed. Asked if he might be rested against Uruguay, Oyarzabal added: “As far as I’m concerned, I want to play; I’m feeling fine.”
Expectations Against Uruguay
Oyarzabal expects Uruguay to bring grit and a competitive edge, traits he described as typical of South American sides. He said Spain had to concentrate on their own work rather than become distracted by permutations, although he conceded the draw was impossible to ignore completely.
Spain will reach the Round of 32 as group winners if they beat Uruguay, while a draw should also be enough to qualify. Spain are top of Group H on four points, two ahead of Uruguay and surprise package Cape Verde, who face a Saudi Arabia side in last place on one point.
Yamal's Impact
Oyarzabal was also asked about Yamal, whose influence in the Saudi Arabia win added another layer of excitement around the Spaniards. The forward did not dress up his answer.
“He’s one of the players who makes the biggest difference in the world right now,” Oyarzabal said. “The chaos he creates for the opposition works in our favor.”
