‘Catastrophic start,’ ‘collapse on the world stage’ – and mockery from abroad: Spanish and international media have reacted with drastic words to Spain’s embarrassing World Cup debut.
Against the clear underdog Cape Verde, the reigning European champion and declared title contender in Atlanta could only manage a 0-0 draw. A World Cup sensation, with few parallels in the tournament’s nearly 100-year history, was commented on accordingly by the press.
Marca spoke of a ‘catastrophic start,’ with the sports daily failing to recognize their own team in an uninspired performance against the World Cup debutant in Atlanta. ‘An unknown Spain, without football, ideas, or means, failed to score against Cape Verde – a combative team that caused this World Cup’s biggest surprise.’
Title Favorite? Spanish Newspaper Questions Status
As scoffed: ‘The clear favorite for the title? We can confidently set aside that headline.’
Referring to a notorious mountain in Asturias that tests professional cyclists to their limits almost annually during the Tour of Spain, it continued: ‘Already on the first climb, this World Cup feels like the Angliru.’
Mundo Deportivo’s judgment was comparatively moderate, but it too could not avoid writing about a ‘disappointing start’ and a ‘performance that needs to be redeemed.’
Tribute to Goalkeeper Vozinha’s Historic Performance
Abroad, the 0-0 draw was perceived with a certain smugness. The English tabloid The Sun, for example, played on words with ‘Spain Pain.’ England had lost to Spain in the final of Euro 2024 in Germany and is hoping for its first title in 60 years.
Meanwhile, on Cape Verde, the small island nation off the northwest coast of Africa with just over 500,000 inhabitants, pure pride reigned.
The newspaper Expresso, in particular, lauded the 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, stating he ‘built a wall’ and delivered ‘one of the most remarkable performances in the history of national football.’
Spain Star and Cape Verde Create Historic Statistics
Spain’s lack of performance was also evident in various statistics. While the Iberians had 74% possession and numerous shots on goal, they were lacking in other areas.
A symptom of their lack of cutting edge was the ignominious World Cup record of striker Mikel Oyarzabal, who had no ball contact in the first 30 minutes of the match.
Almost as hard to believe is another statistic: Cape Verde defended Spain’s star-studded team remarkably fairly. Referee Adham Makhadmeh from Jordan only whistled one foul against the Africans. That too is historic!