Spain coach won't panic as ball didn't 'want to go in' v Cape Verde

Spain head coach Luis De La Fuente looks on from the touchline during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H soccer match against Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium. Ulrik Pedersen/ZUMA Press Wire/dpaSpain coach Luis de la Fuente tried to stay calm after the World Cup favourites were humbled 0-0 by debutants Cape Verde in their Group H opener on Monday.

>The result in Atlanta is the biggest shock of the tournament so far in North America after the island nation from the African confederation put in a remarkable defensive performance.

>But the Spain tactician, who led his side to Euro 2024 glory two years' ago, is refusing to panic.

>"You fix things by sticking to the same plan, continuing to improve with more finesse," he told La 1.

>"It’s these matches where ... you create a lot, but without the sharpness you need in these games.

>"They are a very organized team. We saw that they sat deep as a unit. It’s very difficult to create spaces like that, yet we did create some. We lacked a bit of movement to create more, but when it doesn’t want to go in, it doesn’t want to go in."

>Leading Spanish sports website Marca labelled the result "a disaster to start with" and said Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was "the unexpected star."

>Cape Verde are ranked 64 in the world and 2010 winners Spain are third.

>De la Fuente added: "There were shots, chances and a desire to settle the match through quick play. We know this is very difficult and we know it’s incredibly hard to win here."

>Star Spain wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams were not fully fit to start and both came off the bench.

>"The aim is to give them minutes, so they can build confidence and match fitness, so they’ll be better for the upcoming fixtures," the coach said.

>Spain next face Saudi Arabia on Sunday while Cape Verde take on Uruguay.

Cabo Verde's Vozinha reacts during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H soccer match against Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium. Ulrik Pedersen/ZUMA Press Wire/dpaCabo Verde's Steven Moreira controls the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H soccer match against Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium. Ulrik Pedersen/ZUMA Press Wire/dpaCabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha celebrate after the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H soccer match against Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium. Ulrik Pedersen/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa