The 2026 FIFA World Cup has thrown its first mega-upset into the ring. The European champions Spain were frustratingly held to a 0-0 draw with debutants Cabo Verde in the most classic David versus Goliath scenario possible in Atlanta. It was a display of Spain's dominance of the ball and of chances. And nothing they did could beat a stubborn defence.
Pedri confirms his place as world's best midfielder
It would be very hard for anyone to pick a shining light during La Roja's frustrating display. If they were to pick one man, then the Barcelona star had a complete masterclass, confirming himself as the world's best midfielder.
The 23-year-old was the conductor, the metronome, the heartbeat of Spain's midfield. He popped up all over the park, constantly winning the ball back, drifting between Cabo Verde's lines and playing clever through balls for his teammates. Unfortunately, the players could not take advantage of his immaculate service throughout the tough 90 minutes.
A classic "park the bus" display by Cabo Verde
The frustrating lack of goals from Spain was mostly down to Cabo Verde playing with perhaps the most extreme "park the bus" display in this World Cup. The Blue Sharks packed their defence with almost all their players and shut down Spain's central attacking options in particular.
Marc Cucurella and Ferran Torres always found some space on the wings, but the end product was non-existent. Whenever Spain did breach the defence then the experienced Vozinha pulled out a couple of miracle saves, notably a double-save to deny Mikel Oyarzabal and Ferran Torres on the hour mark. It was an absolute brute of a contest, but Spain could not find an answer.
Lamine Yamal makes history on his World Cup debut
With time starting to run out, the Spanish manager decided to change it up by bringing on 18-year-old wonderkid Lamine Yamal for his first appearance in a World Cup tournament. And, as he has in so many Spanish attacks, he lit the fuse and caused chaos in the Cabo Verde defence.
Despite creating instant space on many occasions and forcing panic clearances, he was unable to breach the defence.
La Roja must now drastically sharpen their finishing before facing Saudi Arabia, because good football without a final product is a recipe for an early exit.
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