World Cup: Spain held to draw by Cape Verde, Yamal's limited role raises concerns

Spain's World Cup campaign began with a surprising 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, a result that has cast a shadow of doubt over their next match against Saudi Arabia. The team's offensive struggles were evident, with 27 shots and 7 on target failing to yield a single goal.

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He changed the opponent's defense as soon as he came on. That was the time we thought he could play, and we believe the team will perform better in the next match.

Eighteen-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal, who is recovering from a thigh injury, was only able to play for the final 19 minutes of the match. Coach Luis de la Fuente acknowledged that the team's options were limited by Yamal's restricted playing time. "He changed the opponent's defense as soon as he came on," de la Fuente said, adding that the team is expected to improve in their next outing.

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I'm feeling very good, very excited. I've been off the field for a while, my body feels good, and I'm ready for any arrangement the coach wants.

Yamal himself expressed confidence in his physical condition, stating he is ready to play more but admitted that playing a full 90 minutes might still be premature. "It's still too early, it's not necessary (to play 90 minutes), I'm still in the adaptation phase," Yamal told Spanish television. "But I will play as long as the coach wants me to."

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It's still too early, it's not necessary (to play 90 minutes), I'm still in the adaptation phase. But I will play as long as the coach wants me to.

Despite the concerns surrounding Yamal's fitness, teammate Pau Cubarsi remains optimistic about Spain's chances. "We have a great squad, all players can perform at the highest level," Cubarsi said. "We all know how good he is, so if he can play, it will be a great help to us, but I think the teammates who can replace him can perform just as well, or even better."

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We have a great squad, all players can perform at the highest level. We all know how good he is, so if he can play, it will be a great help to us, but I think the teammates who can replace him can perform just as well, or even better.