Spanish press dismayed as Spain held by Cape Verde in World Cup opener | OneFootball

Spain were held 0-0 by Cape Verde in their World Cup opener on Monday, a result that triggered stinging criticism at home. Cape Verde, in their first World Cup match, earned a landmark draw.

Catalan daily Sport called it a major disappointment, pairing its verdict with an image of a subdued Mikel Oyarzabal in the opening half hour and lamenting a lack of fluidity and precision.

Madrid-based AS led with talk of a historic let-down. Its editor-in-chief José Félix Diaz wrote that Luis de la Fuente’s side were a shadow of themselves across the match.

Marca used petardazo, a term denoting a spectacular flop, and argued the substitutions came too late, with no tweaks before the 71st minute and the introduction of Lamine Yamal, who was returning from injury.

In the general press, El Periodico framed it as a fiasco to start. Spain, among the pre-tournament favourites, must respond on Sunday against Saudi Arabia at 18:00, then face Uruguay on 27 June at 02:00.

Source: L'Équipe