Huge surprise
World Cup LIVE: Spain Still Struggling
The World Cup in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada has delivered its biggest surprise yet: European champion Spain could not manage more than a scoreless draw against World Cup newcomer Cape Verde in its opening match.
While the top favorite got off to a disastrous start in Atlanta, the World Cup newcomer from West Africa celebrated a historic point.
Spain’s feared wing duo, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, started the match on the bench. The two super talents had recently been injured. Even without the duo, the first attempts on goal came from the Spaniards, as expected. The underdog, however, managed to concede little while sitting deep. At midday in Atlanta, Spain lacked its usual joy of the game; there was a lack of precision in passing and moments of surprise.
Before halftime, the favorites picked up the pace. Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal, who started as the center forward, failed to convert a double chance, first hitting the crossbar and then being denied by Vozinha (39'). Cape Verde’s 40-year-old goalkeeper then also prevented Ferran (shot) and Aymeric Laporte (header) from scoring before the break. Cape Verde tried to transition quickly, but the “Blue Sharks” remained harmless.
Defensive wall holds firm
The Spaniards were unable to carry over the momentum from before the break. With remarkable composure, the 2010 World Cup champion looked for an opening that refused to materialize. But the clock was ticking. After the second water break, Yamal was also brought on (71'). The young Barcelona star had injured his thigh during his club’s season finale and had been sidelined since April. Promptly, “La Roja” had a chance to take the lead, but Mikel Merino’s low shot was too central. Yamal had been involved in the play.
It remained a flash in the pan. In the closing minutes, the 67,640 spectators were even treated to an open exchange of blows. Telmo Arcanjo even had a good header opportunity after a corner (91'). The players from the former Portuguese colony threw themselves selflessly into every tackle until the very end and celebrated a major upset right off the bat. In their second group match, the Spanish will face Saudi Arabia on Sunday in Atlanta. Cape Verde will take on Uruguay shortly thereafter in Miami.
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