YOUTH
Pedri shines as Spain draws 0-0 with Cape Verde
Spain opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup group match against Cape Verde with a 0-0 draw.
Barcelona's Ferran Torres, Gavi, Pedri and Pau Cubarsi started for Spain, while Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo entered as substitutes.
Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha kept a clean sheet as Spain held 75 percent possession and 27 attempts without scoring.
Pedri delivered five key passes, created one big chance and recorded 1.23 expected assists.
He completed 86 of 98 passes, the highest accuracy among the Barcelona contingent.
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun.
Ferran Torres played 81 minutes, took four shots and generated 0.89 expected goals.
He missed a big chance and struck the woodwork, leaving his impact limited.
Image by Mattia Ozbot.
Gavi worked hard in a more advanced role before being replaced by Yamal in the 71st minute.
Cubarsi provided a quiet defensive display, positioning himself well as a centre‑back.
Olmo was introduced late but found little time or space to influence the game.
Barcelona defenders Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo and Joan Garcia did not feature, while coach Luis de la Fuente delayed Olmo's entry.
Hamza Abdelkarim made his World Cup debut for Egypt against Belgium, replacing Mohamed Salah in the 76th minute; Image by Fran Santiago.