Five Things We Learned From Spain 0-0 Cape Verde

Five Things We Learned From Spain 0-0 Cape Verde

In one of the biggest shocks of the World Cup thus far, the European Champions were held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde in the opening match of Group H. Cape Verde endured their first ever game in the tournament and became the third smallest nation of all time to compete in the tournament. Defensive heroics and a Spanish headloss led to them achieving this fantastic result.

Here are five things we learned from that game.

1. Spain Need A Striker

In traditional fashion, Luis de la Fuente's side played the game without a recognised striker on the pitch for the entire 90 minutes. Mikel Oyarzabal started up front, and put in a very average display.

Spain created a host of chances, and they definitelty had their moments, but what was really missing for the side was a recognisable number 9.

The World Cup is a tournament where one moment can define a team's fate, it is also one of the most unpredictable tournaments in all of sport. Therefore, it was an extremely risky move from de la Fuente to not start a striker, and the risk did not pay off at all.

2. Without Yamal, There's A Problem

Lamine Yamal began the game on the bench, and Spain simply looked like a different side when he wasn't on the pitch. Ferran Torres and Pablo Gavi started on the wings, and the gulf in class between those two and Yamal is immeasurable.

Yamal was instrumental in the side's Euro 2024 triumph, and since that tournament the player has grown leaps and bounds. A generational talent, he needs to be playing at all times.

In de la Fuente's defece, Yamal had just come off an injury from the end of the season, however, not starting him today had a serious impact on proceedings and cannot happen again.

3. Cape Verde Aren't Here To Take Part

Avid watchers of the AFCON will know about Cape Verde, but the rest of the world will not be familiar with their game.

This is what makes the new 48-team format so interesting, moments like these.

Cape Verde's side is made up of players who play all over the world, from the UAE, to the USA, to the Republic of Ireland. 36-year old winger Ryan Mendes recorded his 100th cap for the side in today's game, and 40-year old goalkeeper Vozinha was in tears at the final whistle after keeping a clean sheet.

The side does not lack an ounce of personality, and now they have earned a point against the toughest side in the group, they will certainly have their tails up.

4. Are Spain Being Found Out?

After conquering Europe once more, Spain look like one of the strongest sides in the world. However, despite creating chances today, their general play was too static.

A lack of meaningful tiki-taka play from Spain, and a lack of serious attacking drive may suggest that the other World Cup teams have done their homework on them. Spain are one of the favourites, but if they struggle to get out of second gear again, they are not immune to an early exit.

5. Cape Verde's Golden Generation

Albeit at the back end of their careers, some of Cape Verde's players have now finally had the chance to showcase their ability to the world. With only two players in today's starting eleven below the age of 30, and with one player in their 40s, this has been a long time coming.

Class is permanent, and it doesn't matter how old you may be. When you're in the World Cup, you're playing for your country, which is regarded as the greatest honour of all.

With an average age of 30, the squad boasts over 800 international caps. This has been a long time coming for some of these Cape Verde players, and thus far they have not disappointed.