Spain faces Cape Verde in World Cup debut

Monday saw the opening match of Group H at the football World Cup in North America, where Spain—world champions 16 years ago—face Cape Verde, making their first-ever World Cup appearance. Spain star Lamine Yamal completed full training with the squad and the head coach confirmed he is match-fit. Live coverage is available on ETV2.

On Monday evening, Spain and Cape Verde will meet in Group H of the football World Cup final tournament taking place in North America. Spain plan to confirm their status as tournament favorites, while World Cup debutants Cape Verde present the hosts' first serious test.

Yamal could start from kick-off

The most anticipated question is whether Lamine Yamal, returning from injury, will take the field from the first minute. Head coach Luis de la Fuente said on Sunday after the team's training session that the 18-year-old attacking star has recovered physically. "The good news is that he is in perfect condition," the head coach said. "He has reached the point where we hoped to see him. Everything is fine with him, Nico [Williams] and Victor [Muñoz] as well. They are all present, but may not necessarily play the full match."

It is therefore likely that Yamal and Nico Williams, who both suffered injuries at the end of the club season, may start on the bench and come on as substitutes during the match. Spain's squad is in any case one of the tournament's strongest: captain Rodri operates in front of the defense, while Dani Olmo, Gavi, Pedri, Martin Zubimendi and Fabian Ruiz provide midfield support. In attack, in addition to Yamal and Williams, Mikel Oyarzabal-who has scored 25 goals for the national team-and Ferran Torres with 24 goals are also dangerous. Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro operate on the flanks in defense.

Cape Verde make history

Cape Verde enter the tournament as World Cup debutants, but they cannot be considered an inexperienced team. Captain Ryan Mendes has represented the national team 98 times and is likely to become the first player in the national team's history to reach 100 caps during the World Cup. The 25-year-old Dailon Livramento scored four goals in qualifying, which helped the team to their historic first World Cup appearance.

ETV2 and ERR's sports portal will carry live coverage of the match starting at 18:50, with commentary by Kristjan Kalkun and Marko Pärnpuu. Later that evening, Belgium will also begin their World Cup campaign, facing Egypt at 22:00.