Spain has made history… in a negative way

Bad start for Spain at the World Cup. Cabo Verde made history by qualifying and can now return home proud regardless of what happens next. Luis de la Fuente’s side were a shadow of themselves throughout the match.

They lacked rhythm, intensity and penetration, with the only real threat coming from the full-backs, especially Cucurella, who emphatically silenced those suggesting that Real Madrid were close to signing him during the tournament. So much so that the new Real Madrid player allowed himself the luxury of being Spain’s standout performer from start to finish.

The Atlanta native will go down in World Cup history, though not because of Spain, but because of what Cabo Verde achieved. For years to come, it will be remembered that the European champions could not overcome the national team of a country with barely half a million inhabitants, whose most famous athlete until now stood two metres tall and made his living handling a ball with his hands. Now, and forgive me, Tavares, he will have to share the spotlight with Vozinha and company.

Too much praise can make a team complacent, and that was once again evident in Spain’s deeply disappointing World Cup debut. The opening half-hour against the African side bore none of the hallmarks of the team De la Fuente has built.

The fact that Oyarzabal was virtually invisible during those first 30 minutes was simply a consequence of the lack of urgency with which Spain entered the magnificent Coca-Cola City Stadium. You cannot afford to give so much away to any opponent, yet Spain began the match as though victory were already assured.

There is still time to put things right, and no battle has been lost. Even so, absolutely nobody expected such a display from the Spanish national team on the World Cup stage. Disappointment is not surrender, but it does demand an immediate response. In six days’ time, this cannot happen again.

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