Spain chase top spot as Cucurella plays recruiter

Top spot on the line Friday against Uruguay

Spain face Uruguay on Friday in Guadalajara with group leadership at stake. A draw or a win, and your team avoids Argentina in the round of sixteen. Argentina have already won their group, and the reigning champions are exactly who you want to keep at arm's length. Spain arrived in Guadalajara through rain and a crowd of fans who turned up anyway (1).

Three clean sheets, one record matched

Unai Simon has not conceded in three World Cup matches. That has happened only once before, back in 2010, when Spain went all the way in South Africa. The 0–0 against Iran kept the run intact (6). A fourth clean sheet on Friday would break new ground.

Cucurella wants Enzo Fernandez at Real Madrid

Marc Cucurella is doing some recruiting. The left-back, fresh off his own move to Real Madrid, made it clear he wants former Chelsea teammate Enzo Fernandez to follow him. "He's a great player and a friend of mine. He congratulated me on the signing. I hope it happens," Cucurella said. "We were very happy at Chelsea, and to have the opportunity to both sign for Real Madrid in the same summer–I hope he's lucky and becomes a Real Madrid player" (4).

Mood in camp: Ferran and Pedri messing around

Ferran Torres and Pedri were filmed doing the Don't Fall challenge in training on Thursday (3). The vibes look loose ahead of the Uruguay match. No sign of tension before the biggest group game.