What do Spain and Cape Verde need to qualify for World Cup knockouts from Group H? | OneFootball

All four teams in Group H can still advance to the knockout stages of the World Cup as Spain play Uruguay and Cape Verde look to make history against Saudi Arabia.

Tournament favourites Spain clicked into gear as the return Lamine Yamal sparked an impressive 4-0 destruction of Saudi Arabia, with La Roja sitting top of the group on four points.

But the story of Group H so far has undoubtedly been Cape Verde, who followed up their stunning 0-0 draw with Spain by holding Uruguay to a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has been one of the stories of the World Cup so far (Reuters)

The World Cup debutants can advance to the knockout stage against Saudi Arabia, who themselves have plenty left to play for.

Uruguay, meanwhile, are under pressure as they face Spain, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side on the brink of a shock group-stage elimination after two draws so far.

What do Spain need to qualify?

Spain will top Group H with a win against Uruguay, or with a draw - unless Cape Verde beat Saudi Arabia by four goals. Spain could yet lose out on top spot to Uruguay if they lose to Marcelo Bielsa’s side, while they may even slip down to third place if they lose and Cape Verde win by any score. However, Spain would be certain to go through as one of the best ranked third-place sides. If Spain lose but Saudi Arabia beat Cape Verde, Spain will be second due to head-to-head.

What do Uruguay need to qualify?

Uruguay need to avoid defeat. A point would put Uruguay on three points, with a level goal difference following three draws, a total that is likely going to be good enough to advance as one of the best third-place teams even if one of Cape Verde or Saudi Arabia win to go above them. They would finish second with a draw if there is also not a winner in the game between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. Uruguay would be out with a defeat, as two points is not enough and at least one of Cape Verde or Saudi Arabia will surpass the three-point mark.

What do Cape Verde need to qualify?

A win against Saudi Arabia seals it, while a point is also likely to be good enough. Defeat, and they’re out.

What do Saudi Arabia need to qualify?

They have to win. No other result will be good enough. Four points, even with a negative goal difference, should be fine if Uruguay beat Spain and they end up in third place.

If teams finish on the same number of points their standing in the group will be determined by the head-to-head record against the nation they are level with. If one team tied on points with another has beaten them in the group stage, the winners will finish higher up the table.

Where multiple teams are level on points, a mini-league is created, removing the results against the remaining teams. Those tied teams are ranked by points won in the games involving each other, then by goal difference, followed by goals scored. If that does not split them, the next criteria is goal difference followed by goals scored for the group overall.

Any other tiebreakers?

If teams are still level on points following head-to-head results, goal difference and goals scored then the Team Conduct Score (TCS) comes into play. It is basically a fair play score and is rated based on the amount of cards a team has collected. Each team, including managers and backroom staff, started on zero and were deducted points throughout the group stage as follows:

The closer to zero, the better the score. If the teams are still level, whoever had the higher Fifa ranking in June's published update will go through.

How are the top eight third place finishers determined?

The top eight third place finishers will be decided on which teams have accumulated the most points.

Should eight or more nations finish third with the same number of points, the nations who progress will then be determined by goal difference.

In all likelihood, teams that finish third with four points or higher will go through, the teams on three points will need the best possible goal difference to progress.