Spain Frustrated By Cape Verde In Scoreless World Cup Start

ATLANTA, United States (AFP) — Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said there is no panic in his camp after La Roja began their World Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw against first-time qualifiers Cape Verde.

The European champions were without much of the attacking sharpness usually supplied by Lamine Yamal, who had only recently returned from injury and was used off the bench in the second half. Against a Cape Verde team listed 67th in the global rankings, Spain found clear openings hard to come by.

“We are completely calm, convinced that there is a long way to go. As we see it, we have seven games left,” De la Fuente said. “We lacked freshness and precision.”

Spain’s unbeaten streak in competitive matches now stands at 32, a sequence that began after their last defeat in March 2023. During Monday’s FIFA World Cup Group H match at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, defender Pau Cubarsi missed the ball while under pressure from Cape Verde’s Steven Moreira.

Still, the manner of the draw stirred uncomfortable reminders of Spain’s recent World Cup disappointments. In both 2018 against Russia and 2022 against Morocco, they controlled long spells of play but exited on penalties after failing to turn possession into goals.

“Tomorrow I’ll bring up that magic number,” de la Fuente said, referring to the unbeaten run. “We have to stick to our philosophy and get key players back that will play a crucial role as the tournament progresses.”

Yamal’s arrival immediately gave Spain more movement and energy in attack, while also exciting most of the crowd of almost 70,000, many of whom had come hoping to watch the Barcelona star. Cape Verde, however, adjusted quickly and regularly surrounded the 18-year-old with two defenders, sometimes adding a third.

Nico Williams was also held back until late, entering only in the 87th minute after a season at Athletic Bilbao disrupted by injuries.

“They are two game-changing players, but the ones we’ve had on the pitch are too. They bring different qualities to the table,” de la Fuente said. “They will provide new options and the team will continue to grow. What we need to do is find our rhythm and the decisive touch required for this type of competition, which I have no doubt we will acquire.

“Lamine showed exactly what he’s capable of the moment he stepped onto the pitch, forcing the opposition to change their approach, but that was the amount of playing time we felt was right for him.

“Once we regain our chemistry and competitive edge, the team will be even better.”

Spain will play again in Atlanta on Sunday, when they face Saudi Arabia, before travelling to Guadalajara for a meeting with Uruguay.