The disaster is remedial.

"It was a disaster. There's no need to avoid it or try to justify it with arguments like: Spain still created many chances or the opening World Cup match is always difficult," Mundo Deportivo commented after Spain's goalless draw with Cabo Verde in Group H of the 2026 World Cup.

The gap in skill level between Spain (ranked 2nd) and Cabo Verde (ranked 67th) in the national team rankings is too large for fans to be satisfied with a draw.

Goalkeeper Vozinha had a brilliant performance, becoming the hero for Cabo Verde. But blaming only the opposing goalkeeper's form isn't enough. Spanish media suggest that their team seems to have fallen prey to a familiar pattern when facing weaker opponents: they start the game leisurely, with the feeling that "the goals will come eventually," and "just be patient."

Before the match, striker Ferran Torres stated: "We have to start strongly and show our style."

But in reality, Luis de la Fuente's team appeared with an attack lacking speed and unpredictability on the flanks. Only when Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams were brought on near the end of the match did the audience see the familiar image of the reigning European champions. These difficulties were anticipated, as both Yamal and Nico had just returned from injury and could not be risked playing the entire match.

Striker Ferran Torres was unable to beat goalkeeper Vozinha in their one-on-one encounters. Photo: AP

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Ronaldo, the final roar!"A final roar for the world." That's the message that appeared in the stands after the match between Portugal and Uzbekistan. The message wasn't just about Ronaldo's famous "Siuuuu" celebration, but also about the final chapter of a great career. But above all, it was the (perhaps) final mission of a player who had dedicated his entire career to raising his own standards.

Coach De la Fuente places his hopes on the attacking prowess of Marc Cucurella and Marcos Llorente, turning them into attacking wingers. Although both are technically gifted and fast players, they are not specialists in dribbling past opponents in tight spaces.

Coach De la Fuente's personnel choices also raised many questions. He used four midfielders – Rodri, Pedri, Gavi, and Fabián Ruiz – while upfront he only had Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal, neither of whom are particularly lethal attacking options against a low-lying opponent like Cobo Verde.

While Spain struggled to find a way to score, Cabo Verde displayed remarkable resilience. The country is most famous in sports for Walter Tavares, the 2.21-meter-tall basketball center who plays for Real Madrid. And, much like Tavares's imposing physique, Cabo Verde's defense today was a massive wall guarding their goal. They held firm for 90 minutes and were deservedly rewarded.

However, that's not necessarily a pessimistic outcome for "the Bulls." Spain still possesses a talented squad capable of going far in the 2026 World Cup. In the upcoming matches, Spain's wing forward duo will return. The core that has brought them success in recent years is clear: Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams on the wings, Oyarzabal operating flexibly up front, and a midfield trio controlling the game from behind. When extra firepower is needed, Dani Olmo is always a player who can make a difference. And in matches requiring more fighting spirit, Gavi will be a suitable choice.

Spain's draw against Cabo Verde also shows that the teams that come to the World Cup are all giants. All teams need to approach the game with the utmost speed, focus, and determination.

A disappointing draw cannot erase what coach Luis de la Fuente has built over the years. He is still the man who transformed Spain into European champions and helped the national team regain its position as a world leader.

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It was a disappointing opening, a painful fall, but it's not the end. Spain still has enough quality and time to correct their mistakes and aim for the world title, just like they did in South Africa 16 years ago.

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/the-thao/worldcup-2026/tham-hoa-co-the-khac-phuc-1044512