Spain will conclude the group stage against Libya this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. The team, led by Fede Vidal, has already secured a spot in the round of 16 but needs at least a draw to guarantee a top-two finish. Their goal is to defeat Libya and prevent Kazakhstan from overtaking them on goal difference in their match against New Zealand.
The difference between first and second place in Group D is significant: the group winner will face one of the best third-placed teams, while the runner-up will likely face either Morocco or the current champions, Portugal. Spain captain Raúl Campos acknowledged, “We know it will be a tough match, and we need to score as many goals as possible, but we have to take it step by step.” Móstoles forward Hidalgo Manzanares Cheeses added, “We don’t want a repeat of what happened against New Zealand. We need to secure the win first and then focus on scoring goals. Libya’s different style might suit us better.”
Libya
Ricardo Iñíguez, a coach from Alboraya, Valencia, has been leading Libya since February 2023. With experience managing the Equatorial Guinea national team and Spanish clubs, Iñíguez has helped Libya achieve their first-ever World Cup victory against New Zealand. Although Libya could qualify without scoring, they will aim for a win or draw. Iñíguez said, “We know Spain is far superior, but we will play our game. If we can win or draw, we will, and if not, we’ll try to avoid a heavy loss.” Libya, participating in their third World Cup after appearances in 2008 and 2012, hopes to reach the round of 16 for the first time under Iñíguez’s guidance. “It would be a dream,” he remarked.
Brazil has been unstoppable, with the speed of a Ferrari, according to Thailand coach Miguel Rodrigo, after Brazil defeated his team 9-1. Brazil has scored 27 goals and conceded only two. Croatia, with a 7-0 win over Cuba, is virtually assured of being one of the best third-placed teams. In Group A, the Netherlands surprised Paraguay with a 5-2 victory, securing second place under Spanish coach Miguel Andrés. Meanwhile, the tournament’s biggest disappointment came from Uzbekistan, the host team, which was eliminated after a 5-3 loss to Costa Rica.