Spain draws 0‑0 with Cape Verde, sparks criticism from former stars

Spain opened its World Cup campaign with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, prompting a wave of criticism.

Former midfielder Andrés Iniesta published an open letter to Marca, acknowledging the harsh scrutiny and urging the squad to stay calm. He recalled Spain’s 2010 loss to Switzerland before winning the tournament, saying, “It is time to remain very calm. This is not the moment for blame or distrust.”

Dutch analyst Jan Boskamp also lashed out, describing Spain’s performance as “dead, slow and sloppy” and suggesting the team was “playing with ten.” He called for a change in approach, while also critiquing Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Both comments highlight the pressure on Spain to recover after an unexpectedly poor start.