New Delhi: Lamine Yamal, 18, Spain's footballing prince, started on the shaded second row of the bench due to a hamstring tear he has just recovered from. Despite throwing him in the 70th minute, Spain were handed a humbling first half experience by Cape Verde, forcing La Roja into an embarrassing draw.
Spain are notorious starters, but could not avoid the draw against a defensively unperturbed Cape Verde. Yamal did add pep to the attack, creating two fine chances late in the match, but Cape Verde's man marking and defensive organisation was brilliant.
The history of World Cups is replete with giants being caught by surprise – Argentina lost their opener to Saudi Arabia in 2022 – and Spain, when they look back will be relieved Cape Verde didn't do the unthinkable and get a late winner.
