News Focus
- Spain held to shock 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in World Cup opening match
- Borja Iglesias denied entry to team hotel by security staff in Chattanooga
- Lamine Yamal made late appearance from bench amid fitness concerns
- La Roja prepare for crucial Saudi Arabia clash in Atlanta
- Team remain unbeaten in 32 matches despite opening game frustration
Spain’s national team have spent the past week digesting a painful World Cup reality check. The European champions could only manage a goalless draw against Cape Verde in their opening fixture, a result that left the squad feeling “stung” according to head coach Luis de la Fuente.
The players received a day off following the disappointing opener in Chattanooga. Lamine Yamal visited Nashville, Dani Olmo explored Hamilton Place shopping centre, and Rodri walked along the Tennessee river with his partner. However, the relaxation period produced an amusing incident for striker Borja Iglesias.
Security guards at the team hotel failed to recognise the Real Betis forward when he returned before the 9pm curfew. Iglesias had forgotten his accreditation and faced an embarrassing wait outside the building. “It happens to me in Spain, so how could it not happen here?” Iglesias explained during training at Kennesaw State University. “Lamine laughed at me. The good thing is other players said it had happened to them before too.”
The light-hearted moment masks serious concerns ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Saudi Arabia in Atlanta. Spain fired 27 shots against Cape Verde but failed to score, with Ferran Torres hitting the crossbar and veteran goalkeeper Vozinha producing a man-of-the-match display. “I am not sure it is fair to say the forwards must improve, but yes, we need goals,” Iglesias admitted. “I have seen them train and there is no problem. They will go in next time, for sure.”
De la Fuente maintains there is “nothing to reproach” his team for, pointing to their 32-game unbeaten run. Yet questions persist about his tactical approach. Centre-forward Mikel Oyarzabal failed to touch the ball during the opening 30 minutes, while playmaker Pedri appeared too advanced and spent energy pressing defenders rather than creating chances.
The biggest controversy surrounded Lamine Yamal’s introduction in the 71st minute. The 18-year-old Barcelona winger is recovering from a hamstring injury, and De la Fuente suggested he prefers using the teenager in second halves. “The freshness of Lamine and Nico is what it is,” the coach stated, indicating Yamal might play “55, 58 or 63” minutes against the Saudis.
Martín Zubimendi rejected claims that Spain’s midfield lacked pace. “If this midfield has a characteristic quality, it is not exactly that it slows the game down,” the Real Sociedad player insisted. He defended Rodri from criticism and stressed the team has moved past their initial sadness. “We were annoyed, which is the way it should be. But we have the ambition and confidence to look to the next game.”
Defender Aymeric Laporte revealed the squad’s close bond through video games, mentioning he plays Fortnite with younger teammates. He emphasised that Uruguay’s draw on the same night means Spain face no pressure regarding qualification mathematics. “We are here to show what we can do,” Laporte said. “This time, they cannot stop us.”