Spain held to shock draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde

Spain's struggles in recent World Cups resurfaced in Atlanta as the European champions were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde. Considered among the tournament favorites, Spain, who have not won a knockout game since their 2010 World Cup triumph, displayed an inability to convert possession into goals, echoing their disappointing exits in 2018 and 2022.

Coach Luis de la Fuente boasts what he claims is the best squad in the competition, yet the team delivered a flat performance. Key players Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, both returning from injury-disrupted seasons, were largely ineffective. Yamal, a Barcelona superstar, was eased back into fitness and only appeared as a second-half substitute, failing to unlock Cape Verde's resolute defense.

Cape Verde, ranked 67th in the world, made a proud debut on the global stage. Playing in an air-conditioned stadium, which negated any excuses related to heat, Spain's build-up play was notably slow. The mid-half hydration breaks were met with boos from frustrated fans seeking a faster tempo.

Spain's best chances came late in the first half, with Ferran Torres hitting the crossbar and Mikel Oyarzabal's header being tipped over by Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha. Vozinha was also called into action to deny Torres again and Aymeric Laporte's header just before halftime. Yamal's introduction in the second half did provide a spark, setting up chances for Mikel Merino and Oyarzabal, but the team ultimately could not find the back of the net.