Press reviews
Spain started the World Cup with a disappointing 0-0 draw against extreme outsiders and World Cup newcomers Cape Verde. This is what the international press writes about one of the biggest sensations in World Cup history.
Spain
“Marca”: “A disaster to start with. The Spanish national team, unrecognizable, without football, ideas and resources, is unable to win against Cape Verde, which becomes the protagonist of a miracle.”
“AS”: “Spain failed in its World Cup opener against Cape Verde. Not even the use of Lamine could make up for the bad impression in Atlanta.”
“Mundo Sports”: “Disappointing start for Spain, who failed to prevail against Cape Verde. La Roja, who dominated the game and tried tirelessly, faltered in their World Cup opener and failed to overcome Vozinha, the game’s MVP. Lamine Yamal came to the rescue in the second half, but it was not enough to get the game back on track.”
“El Pais”: “Cape Verde dashes Spain’s hopes. Luis de la Fuente’s side, one of the tournament’s big favorites, fail to overcome the resistance of the African debutant in a lackluster game for La Roja despite the return of Lamine.”
“El Mundo”: “A disastrous Spain starts the World Cup with a sad, goalless draw against Cape Verde. Luis de la Fuente’s team, which had to resort to Lamine with 20 minutes to go, delivered an unimaginative performance against a clearly inferior opponent.”
Cape Verde
“Expresso das Ilhas”: “Vozinha builds a wall and Cape Verde fights for a historic draw against Spain. (…) A historic result for the ‘Blue Sharks’, who withstood Spanish pressure thanks to an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Vozinha.”
Great Britain
“The Sun”: “Cap Hurray! The underdog causes one of the biggest surprises of the World Cup and holds firm against the favorite despite the return of Yamal.”
“Daily Mail”: “Cape Verde surprises a sluggish Spain and pulls off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history with a heroic draw.”
USA
“The Athletic”: “Spain draws 0-0 with Cape Verde: Is this the biggest surprise of this World Cup?”
Italy
“La Gazzetta dello Sport”: “A colossal embarrassment for the Spanish.”
“Corriere dello Sport”: “Oyarzabal can hardly believe it, Bubista and Vozinha are the heroes: Cape Verde celebrates the historic draw at the World Cup, Spain mourns.”
France
“L’Equipe”: “Surprise in Atlanta: Spain stumbles against Cape Verde, which scores its first World Cup point.”