Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente admitted that every match at the FIFA World Cup presents a unique challenge after his side were surprisingly held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in their Group H opener on Monday.
The European champions dominated proceedings in Atlanta, creating numerous opportunities and finishing with an expected goals (xG) tally of 2.29 compared to Cape Verde’s 0.29. However, they were unable to find a way past a resilient Cape Verde side inspired by veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, whose series of outstanding saves secured one of the most remarkable results in World Cup history.
Speaking after the match, De la Fuente insisted his players must stick to their philosophy despite the disappointing result.
”We have to continue with the same idea, while improving and showing more finesse,” he said. “Today is one of those games where you create a lot, but maybe you lack the freshness you need in these types of games.”
The Spain manager also praised Cape Verde’s defensive organisation.
”They are a very organised team. They sat in a low block with practically 10 defenders in front of their area. It’s very difficult to find spaces like that,” he explained.
Spain struggled to convert their dominance into goals, with Ferran Torres notably failing to take several chances before being substituted late in the contest.
Despite the frustrating stalemate, De la Fuente stressed that surprises are part of football’s biggest tournament.
”When the ball does not want to go in, it won’t go in. There were shots, chances, we tried to resolve the game, but we know this is very difficult. All games at a World Cup are difficult to win.”
The result handed Cape Verde a famous point in their first-ever World Cup match and left Group H wide open after one of the tournament’s biggest shocks.
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