The PuntHub view — The European champions
Spain turn up as European champions with the deepest midfield pool in the world and Lamine Yamal, who turns 19 mid-tournament and is already the player everyone pays to watch. Rodri is fit again. The model has them second only to Argentina; plenty of sharp judges have them first.
Uruguay are the opposite animal. Bielsa has them pressing like lunatics and they'll beat anyone on the right night, then lose 2-1 to a deep block the week after. Spain v Uruguay on the final matchday could decide top spot and reshape half the bracket. Cape Verde's first World Cup is a lovely story. Saudi Arabia will always have Lusail.
Verdict: Spain and Uruguay, order settled on matchday three.
Standings
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uruguay | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | D |
| 2 | Saudi Arabia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | D |
| 3 | Spain | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | D |
| 4 | Cape Verde Islands | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | D |