Spain Benches 18-Year-Old Lamine Yamal for World Cup Opener Against Cape Verde

Q: Did resting star Lamine Yamal cost the European champions a crucial opening win against World Cup debutant Cape Verde?

Not entirely, but it clearly hurt Spain’s chances. Spain were held 0-0 by World Cup debutant Cape Verde despite overwhelming the game, taking 24 shots and controlling possession. That points to a broader finishing problem, not just one selection call. Ferran Torres hit the bar, Aymeric Laporte was denied, and even after Yamal came on around the 70th minute, Spain still could not score. That said, the evidence strongly suggests Spain missed Yamal’s attacking edge from the start. Luis de la Fuente had said the 18-year-old was fit for minutes but not a full match after his hamstring issue. Without him, Spain lacked the one-v-one threat and directness that have been central to their recent success. Reports from the match described Spain as short of “cutting edge” against Cape Verde’s compact low block. Yamal’s introduction did improve Spain’s threat. He immediately drove at defenders and helped create openings, but Cape Verde’s resistance held firm. Goalkeeper Vozinha was outstanding, and defender Roberto Lopes made a crucial late block as Cape Verde produced one of the tournament’s biggest early surprises. So resting Yamal was a factor, but not the only reason Spain failed to win. The draw was also the product of Cape Verde’s disciplined defending, exceptional goalkeeping, and Spain’s wasteful finishing. Had Yamal started, Spain might well have found the breakthrough earlier, but the match itself does not prove that his benching alone cost them the win.

3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Jun 15

Lamine Yamal, 18, was left on Spain's bench for Monday's World Cup Group H opener against Cape Verde, with coach Luis de la Fuente also holding back Nico Williams and Victor Munoz.
All three attackers have recovered from injury and are available as substitutes, prompting de la Fuente to open with Mikel Oyarzabal leading the front line.
Gavi got the nod ahead of Alex Baena in Spain's starting lineup, alongside Rodri, Fabian Ruiz and Pedri in midfield.
Cape Verde, captained by most-capped player and all-time top scorer Ryan Mendes, opened with Dailon Livramento up front in Atlanta.