Big test for Saudi Arabia against Spain

Saudi Arabia's Abdulelah Alamri (4) celebrates after scoring their opening goal during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP)

ATLANTA, June 20: Saudi Arabia faces one of its toughest tests of the World Cup when it takes on European champion Spain today in Group H, hoping to build on the encouraging display that earned them a 1-1 draw against Uruguay in their opening match.

The Green Falcons impressed in their tournament opener and came close to claiming all three points before conceding a late equalizer. Now, in their seventh World Cup appearance, they are targeting another positive result that could significantly enhance their chances of reaching the Round of 32 for the first time since the 1994 edition in the United States.

Saudi Arabia can take confidence from its famous victory over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, proving it is capable of upsetting one of the game's traditional powers. Goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, who produced a series of outstanding saves against Uruguay, is expected to play a key role again as he prepares to face a Spanish attack spearheaded by rising star Lamine Yamal.

Spain, however, enters the match determined to respond after being held to a surprising goalless draw by tournament debutant Cape Verde. Considered among the leading contenders for the title, La Roja knows another slip-up could complicate its path to the knockout stage.

In another Group F encounter, Tunisia will seek to recover from a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden when it meets Japan at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico. The Carthage Eagles, under new coach Hervé Renard, need a positive result to revive their hopes of advancing.