Spain leans on Lamine Yamal, while Iran braces for boos
Spain’s scoreless draw with Cape Verde has sparked real anxiety around the squad, even though players and coaches keep insisting there is no reason to panic. Spanish media have been especially critical after another disappointing start, noting the team produced lots of possession and passing but little creativity or threat. The concern is that Spain has again fallen into the same pattern seen in recent World Cup campaigns, where control does not turn into goals.
Much of the pressure centers on 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, who came on in the 71st minute of the opener but looked rusty and admitted to the Spanish press that he is not fully fit and is unlikely to start. The article says it is unfair to place such responsibility on a teenager, yet Yamal is also the player who has repeatedly delivered at elite level, from his decisive goal against France in the European Championship semifinal to his starring role for Barcelona. Spain still needs him, but he has already been sidelined in September and October with injury, and Barcelona’s heavy schedule only increases the risk of overload.
The piece argues that Yamal’s workload is alarming, citing his 8,158 senior minutes before turning 18, compared with Pedri’s 3,811, Gavi’s 4,195, and Jude Bellingham’s 6,216 at the same age. Spain also misses Nico Williams, another injured winger who was key to its Euro title run two years ago. Without both wide threats, coach Luis de la Fuente may be tempted to rush them back, but that would be risky for a team expected to stay in the United States until the end.
Spain now faces a tougher Saudi Arabia side that beat Argentina three and a half years ago and drew Uruguay in its opener. Saudi Arabia is expected to defend deep again, with five defenders and a holding midfielder, leaving Spain to solve another compact block. The warning is clear: one more bad result could leave Spain facing Argentina in the first knockout game.
The same preview says Belgium will meet Iran in Los Angeles, where Iranian supporters are again expected to boo during the anthem after the first round of group games ended in two draws. It also previews Uruguay against Cape Verde, and New Zealand against Egypt, where Chris Wood’s target-man play could help New Zealand chase its first World Cup win ever.
