That’s a totally different situation. The 2018 game was in the knockout rounds. The 2026 WC game was in the group stage that we’re in now. A draw with the Netherlands is a desirable result.
Well, this didn’t take long.
I don’t know if I’d call that “brutal”. I was expecting something more North Korean.
Has this ever happened before? A head coach being fired during a WC, especially after the first game?
Now let’s see if Spain can score higher than Germany yesterday.
ETA: no disrespect to Cape Verde, but the constellation is similar.
ETA2: a little side note: it just happened for the first time that VAR corrected a false corner call. And it went smoothly and quickly.
Without Yamal Spain lack the truly elite goal scoring threat, I’d be surprised if they get close to 7. The midfield should put on a show though; Pedri is a treat.
They have so much quality in the offense that I still think they will win clearly. But so far, Cape Verde are doing a good job and keep Spain away from their goal.
I mean, Ferran Torres is fine, but he’s no Mbappe or Harry Kane or what have you. I’m sure Spain will bag a couple though.
Spain disappoint me so far. No creativity, no ideas.
What’d I just say about Torres?
Wonder when the wingers will come on if this remains 0-0.
I’m going to be a contrarian and say that the expanded field is really growing on me. No harm in letting the minnows have a realistic chance of qualifying and maybe having a moment of glory or two before reality sets in. More games, more fun.
I like Spain, but it’s getting harder not to pull for the Verdeans here. It’s like the NCAA tournament, where even if you have, say, Kentucky, in your bracket, you’re still rooting against them when they’re in crunch time against Northern Southwestern Eastern Tech.
(realizing that comment is incomprehensible to most of the participants in this thread…)
69th ranked Cape Verde pulling off a draw against Spain (which is No. 1 in some rankings) would be huge.
Hell, losing by just a goal or two would be huge!
I keep putting these underdog matches on in the background and then end up turning on the sound and watching more closely. It’s been a lot of fun!
I’ll agree. I’d bet that not a single Curacaoan fan would trade their memory of that score to pull even with mighty Germany for anything in the world.
Yamal immediately unbalancing the defense. Going to be a long 20 minutes for Cape Verde, but still tied.
Cape Verde has come darn close to scoring.
This place will blow up if CV score and win the game.
This is incredible.
Corner in the last 20 seconds !!!
No !!
0-0
Yay !!