Spain face Saudi Arabia in Atlanta on Sunday needing a win after a frustrating 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their World Cup opener. The European champions dominated possession and had 27 shots but failed to score, with Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha earning man of the match with six saves.
Team Reacts to Frustrating Start
Two days after the draw, coach Luis de la Fuente gave players a day off to clear their heads. Lamine Yamal visited Nashville, Dani Olmo went to Hamilton Place mall, and Rodri strolled the Tennessee river. Borja Iglesias returned before the 9pm curfew but was not recognized by security and had to wait to be let in. 'It was funny,' Iglesias said. 'It happens to me in Spain, so how could it not happen here? Lamine laughed at me: 'I love it, they didn't let you in.''
De la Fuente insisted there are 'zero doubts' and Spain must 'insist on the same idea.' However, the lack of a finish raised concerns. In the first half-hour, centre-forward Mikel Oyarzabal did not get a single touch, and Pedri appeared too advanced, chasing defenders while the game played behind him.
Lamine Yamal's Role Under Scrutiny
The absence of Lamine Yamal until the 71st minute against Cape Verde dominated discussion. The 18-year-old, sidelined since April with a hamstring injury, was deemed 'perfect' by De la Fuente, but the coach waited and consulted medical staff before introducing him. Nico Williams, also returning from injury, got just nine minutes. 'The good news is that Lamine is back,' De la Fuente said. He indicated Yamal could play 55-63 minutes against Saudi Arabia, likely in the second half.
Martín Zubimendi said the team was sad for 24 hours but has turned it around. 'We were sad those first 24 hours but we have turned it around now,' he said. 'It was not a brilliant game but nor was it really bad: there are things we can take from it. We have to come up with improvements, especially that fluidity, that freshness in the final third which I think is going to be the key.'
Confidence Remains High
Despite the draw, Spain have extended their unbeaten run to 32 games. 'We would be in a better mood if we had won but today we have taken our run to 32 games unbeaten,' De la Fuente said. 'There's no feeling of pressure, no sense of emergency. Sometimes the criticism motivates you and this is a generation of players that is very competitive.'
Aymeric Laporte added: 'We were annoyed, which is the way it should be. But it's also true that we are unbeaten in 32. We have the ambition and the confidence to look to the next game, think positively, and try to win, as we always do. To say: 'We're here.''
Spain know a repeat of the Cape Verde performance is not an option. Iglesias said: 'I'm not sure it's fair to say that the forwards have to 'improve', but yes, we need goals. We had various chances and didn't score; other times you only get one chance and you do score. So, be calm. They will go in next time, for sure.'
