Luis Suarez has claimed Uruguay are on the march – and won't fear playing former world champions Spain in the knock-out stage.

Suarez celebrated his 100th cap for his country with the winning goal against Saudi Arabia at the Rostov Arena to give his side a 1-0 win to catapult Uruguay into the last 16 after just two matches.

Now they face a shoot-out with hosts Russia in Samara next Monday to see who tops the group – with Spain or Portugal awaiting in the next round.

But Suarez – who announced after the game that he's to become a father for the third time with wife Sofia Balbi expecting a baby - has warned Uruguay's rivals they are ready to face anyone.

“I have always said since arriving here that Uruguay are feeling very confident, we're really up for it, but sometimes how you play depends on the day,” said the Barcelona striker.

Suarez celebrates his goal against Saudi Arabia (
Image:
Ryan Pierse)

“It doesn't matter who we play in the next round, if we want to go as far as possible we have to beat everyone.

“If we are to dream of being world champions we have to beat the best in the world, and Spain are one of the best."

The former Kop star made history against Saudi Arabia becoming the first Uruguayan to score in three successive World Cups.

And although they've so far not been at their best in beating Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Suarez was happy with his own contribution as he marked his century milestone with his 52nd international goal.

“I'm very happy to have been able to help with the goal. On a personal level you always try to help the team as much as you can.

Uruguay made it two wins from two (
Image:
AFP)

“But obviously a striker lives off goals and this time the happiness I felt from scoring also gave us the three points.

“I think that we have to be happy with qualifying. Okay, there are things to improve because we aren’t playing in the way we’d like.

“But this World Cup is proving that what matters most is the result. Against Saudi Arabia it was a demonstration that it is so difficult to win a game in a World Cup.

“You learn a little in every game but World Cups are like this, the team that wins is the one that takes its chances.

“So we’re very proud to have reached the last 16 for the third time in a row and we will enjoy this magnificent moment.”

Suarez has talked up a potential last 16 clash against Spain (
Image:
Mike Hewitt - FIFA)

Although they've only scored two goals to reach the next round, Uruguay haven't conceded with tough Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin proud of that defiance.

"When you win it’s always positive. We also kept a clean sheet which is really important. We have to keep on improving collectively, but when you win it’s always better.

“We’ll go out to win the game against Russia as they’re feeling confident after making a strong start.

"We know we could be paired with Spain in the last 16 we’re ambitious but we have our feet on the ground.

“It’s one versus one in the last 16 but what we want most of all is to improve, to keep doing things well and just wait and see which opponent we get.”

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