Spain 0-0 Cabo Verde - Was Yamal Starting on the Bench the Right Call?

[RandyOrton26]

Spain's World Cup campaign opened with a flat 0-0 draw against Cabo Verde in Atlanta. Luis de la Fuente left Lamine Yamal on the bench from the start, a decision that drew enormous debate before kick-off and looks even harder to defend after a goalless 90 minutes against one of the tournament's smaller nations. Spain dominated possession but created very little of quality. Cabo Verde defended with real organisation and spirit and fully earned their point.

Yamal came on as a substitute but could not unlock the defence in the time he had. Spain now face Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in their remaining group games and must win both to guarantee progression. The draw also means Cabo Verde, in their first ever World Cup, are level on points with Spain at the top of Group C after one game, which is a remarkable opening day story regardless of what happens next.

Does this result vindicate those who thought Yamal should have started, and can Spain still qualify comfortably from this group?

BBC Sport - Scores, Fixtures, News - Live Sportwww.bbc.co.uk

[WaveFunction74]

Yes, completely vindicates it. You do not rest your best player against any opponent at a World Cup. If the system needed protecting De la Fuente should have found a different way to do it