Spain is now aware of their quarter-final opponent in the controversial FIFA World Cup held in Uzbekistan. Ukraine secured their spot by defeating the Netherlands 3-1, with two goals from Andri Melnyk and another from Mykhailo Zvarych, setting them up to face Spain in the next round. However, before that, Spain must confirm their status as favorites and overcome Venezuela in their round of 16 clash this Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at the Andijan Universal Complex. Head coach Fede Vidal remarked, “It will be a tough match, and we need to give our best to advance.” With their scoring issues resolved, the only absence for Vidal will be Sergio Lozano. The Andalusian coach also noted that “Venezuela has made significant progress in recent years, winning the bronze medal at the Copa America. Although their group stage results may not reflect it, they have consistently played at a high level.”
The South American team, after suffering heavy losses to Iran (7-1) and France (7-3), clinched a vital 7-3 victory over Guatemala in their final group match, securing their spot in the round of 16 thanks to their overall -6 goal difference. This will be the first-ever meeting between Spain and Venezuela, with the latter participating in their second World Cup, their first being in Lithuania 2021, where they were eliminated by Morocco in the round of 16. Spain, on the other hand, hasn’t missed a quarter-final since their first World Cup appearance 35 years ago. Venezuela’s coach, Robinson Romero, acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, “We know Spain is a formidable opponent with experienced players. We’ll give our all to try and reach the quarter-finals. Defeating a world champion would be a remarkable achievement.”
Kevin Briceño
Venezuela’s most dangerous player is Kevin Briceño, a strong pivot who has netted five goals, while their leader on the court is Carlos Sanz, who plays for Jaén Paraíso Interior. On Spain’s side, Antonio Pérez, their top assist provider with five assists, commented, “I think we’ve improved game by game. We started with an early goal against Kazakhstan, which was tough, and their goalkeeper, Higuita, was outstanding. The second game was difficult at first, but we improved in the second half. Our performance against Libya was our best of the group stage.” The Jaen-born Barça defender added, “We’re hitting form at the right time, with great confidence in the team. Our goal is to go as far as possible and win the title.”
Brazil, meanwhile, continued their dominant run in the World Cup, advancing to the round of 16 with a commanding 5-0 victory over Costa Rica. Marcel and Felipe Valerio scored in the first half, while Leandro Lino and Neguinho each added two goals in the second. Barça player Ferrao was notably absent due to muscle issues. Coach Marquinhos Xavier’s squad awaits the outcome of the Iran vs. Morocco match on Thursday to determine their quarter-final opponent, with FIFA investigating Iran’s match against France.