Cape Verde’s scoreless draw with Spain among World Cup’s historic results, and a potential Roja flag for contender
It was not what Merriam-Webster defines as an upset — “an unexpected defeat.” But Cape Verde holding Spain to a scoreless tie in Atlanta on Monday might as well have been a defeat for La Roja.
And the result rates among the greatest surprises in World Cup history. How great? Up with the following:
⋅ In 1950, the United States edged England, 1-0 — a score so unexpected, some thought it a typo and that England had won, 10-0;
⋅ Four years later, it was “The Miracle of Bern,” West Germany defeating Hungary, 3-2, in the final two weeks after losing to the Magyars, 8-3;
⋅ In 1966, North Korea blanked Italy, 1-0, on a goal by Pak Doo-Ik in Middlesbrough, England;
⋅ The defending champion fell in the opening game in 1990 (Cameroon 1, Argentina 0) and 2002 (Senegal 1, France 0);
⋅ In Qatar four years ago, Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina, 2-1, in its group-play opener.
The United States, West Germany, North Korea, Cameroon, Senegal, and Saudi Arabia might not have been at their best in soccer at the time of their accomplishments, but the countries can’t say they didn’t have the population or resources to compete.
Not so, Cape Verde. The population of its 10 islands totals 500,000, one one-hundredth of Spain’s.
Then, there are the odds and roster value. Cape Verde is listed at 1,000-1 to win the World Cup; Spain is 5-1, second favorite behind France. Cape Verde’s players are worth 54.5 million euros, according to Transfermarkt. Spain’s, 1.22 billion.
In other words, consider this as good as a win for Cape Verde. The Tubarões Azuis are making their World Cup debut, and they were not expected to be a factor in Group H with Uruguay (two-time champions), Spain (one title), and Saudi Arabia.
La Roja was expected to breeze through group play, and they yet may do so. But this match raised doubts, and also exposed weaknesses.
Spain lacked wing threats, with Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal recovering from injury. Once they entered as late substitutes, neither seemed to trouble Cape Verde.
Coach Luis de la Fuente’s reluctance to use Dani Olmo could be costly. Olmo, an 81st-minute replacement for Ferran Torres, entered too late to make a difference. During Spain’s 2024 Euro championship run, Olmo also began the tournament on the bench, then scored or produced game-winning plays in four games.
Then, there are questions about La Roja’s central defenders. De la Fuente selected two from Barcelona, which is known for scoring goals, not so much for stopping them. Starter Pau Cubarsí, 19, doesn’t lack experience, but he might not be ready to take charge at this level.
Yes, Spain did achieve a shutout, so it is difficult to fault the defense. But some situations call for the back line to contribute to the attack, and that was the case against Cape Verde. Cubarsí recognized the need to get forward, and he moved up to take a shot early. But his off-target attempt also exposed his inability to threaten. And, so, Cape Verde simply laid off him in the late going, which allowed it to double-team elsewhere.
“We have to improve our finishing,” de la Fuente said. “We created a lot, but we were missing the final touch and we weren’t sharp.”
Spain is not the only European team struggling to adjust. Euro countries usually dominate the World Cup, but they are also proving to be victims of their own success in developing players, who then are recruited by the countries of their heritage.
That’s the case with most Cape Verde players, but there is talent to be found in the archipelago. Goalkeeper Vozinha did not get to Europe until he was 30 years old. Ten years later, he was named player of the match against one of the best teams in the world.
Read more Washington, D.C., voters cast ballots in crucial primaries as Trump reshapes the capital
Post Comment