Mixed fortunes for Real Sociedad’s World Cup contingent | OneFootball

According to Diario Vasco, matchday two has brought mixed fortunes for Real Sociedad’s World Cup contingent. Mikel Oyarzabal is starring for Spain, while Take Kubo, Luka Sucic and Gonçalo Guedes face contrasting paths.

Despite a training scare on Friday, tests cleared Oyarzabal and Luis de la Fuente started him against Saudi Arabia. He delivered two goals and an assist in 24 minutes, and could have had four but for the bar and an Alowais save.

Spain need a draw with Uruguay at 2.00 on Saturday, provided Cabo Verde do not beat Saudi Arabia by three or more. Oyarzabal will start again.

Sucic debuted with 18 minutes as Croatia beat Panama 1-0, after sitting out the England defeat. Ghana’s 0-0 with England leaves them second on four points, one ahead of Croatia.

On Saturday at 23.00 Ghana play Croatia, the winner should be second if England beat Panama. A draw could still see Croatia progress as a best third on four points. Sucic is competing with cousin Petar, plus Modric, Kovacic, the two Pasalic, Musa and Baturina.

Guedes has yet to play and is unlikely to start the third game, with Portugal, one point ahead of Colombia, facing them at 1.30 on Sunday. Despite nine goals and eight assists for Real, competition is intense, with Cristiano Ronaldo on two and Ramos centrally, plus Joao Félix, Pedro Neto, Conceicao, Leao and Trincao wide. His chance may yet come.

Kubo, out with a knee sprain, is pushing to be ready for the last 32. He will not travel to Texas for the early-hours match against Sweden and is limited to running, not group or ball work. His return is uncertain, and Japan could face Brazil, Morocco or Scotland in that round unless they finish third.

Source: Diario Vasco