Spain won't panic yet about Cape Verde draw, but t...
Key takeaways
- The European champions had their moments in this 0-0 draw -- 27 shots, seven on target, 2.29 expected goals, with chances for Ferran Torres and Marc Cucurella very influential on the left.
- He has been everywhere in Atlanta, his image filling billboards on the sides of skyscrapers, but for 70 minutes here, he wasn't on the pitch, and you could tangibly feel his absence.
- - World Cup 2026: Fixtures, results, all coverage - VAR Review: All the incidents at the World Cup - World Cup standings | Knockout round bracket
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
The European champions had their moments in this 0-0 draw -- 27 shots, seven on target, 2.29 expected goals, with chances for Ferran Torres and Marc Cucurella very influential on the left. But overall, Spain struggled against a brave, well-organized opponent in Cape Verde, inspired by goalkeeper Vozinha (seven saves), who turned 40 just two weeks before the World Cup.
Ultimately, La Roja were missing Yamal. He has been everywhere in Atlanta, his image filling billboards on the sides of skyscrapers, but for 70 minutes here, he wasn't on the pitch, and you could tangibly feel his absence. Coach Luis de la Fuente had confirmed a day earlier that Yamal was fit but not yet ready to start. And the consequences were here for the world to see.
- World Cup 2026: Fixtures, results, all coverage - VAR Review: All the incidents at the World Cup - World Cup standings | Knockout round bracket