Spain left "mourning" after draw against Cape Verde, says Mikel Merino
Atlanta, June 17
Spain's Mikel Merino suggested that the team are "mourning" after the side was held to a 0-0 draw by debutants Cape Verde in their match on Monday at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, according to ESPN.
In the match against Spain, tournament debutants Cape Verde, now ranked 64th in the world, produced a remarkable defensive display to hold then-world No. 2 (now placed third) and reigning European champions Spain to a goalless draw. Despite being the third-smallest nation by population ever to compete at a World Cup, Cape Verde defended resolutely, frustrating Spain throughout the contest.
Merino said each player handles "mourning" differently, with some reviewing the match immediately and others stepping away to process it. He added that the team is focused on learning from the result and improving for the next game.
"Each player has his way of dealing with the mourning. Some like to watch the video back straight away. Others like to disconnect. It's a moment to swallow the disappointment of not getting the three points. We're already thinking about what we have to improve," Merino said as quoted by ESPN.
However, the Spaniard later clarified that his use of the word "mourning" was a metaphor, not meant literally.
"Perhaps I didn't express myself well, it was an attempt at a metaphor, a comparison. Nobody has died. It isn't mourning as such. But sometimes defeats feel like that. When you're so competitive, you want to be at your best. When you don't achieve it, you get home and you don't even want to speak to your family. That's why it's a bit like mourning," Merino said further.
In the match against Spain, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha emerged as the standout performer of the match.
The Spaniards fired 27 shots without scoring, the joint-most they have ever attempted in a World Cup match without finding the net, matching their 27-shot tally against Paraguay at the 1998 tournament, which also ended 0-0. Vozinha, 40, made seven saves in total, including three crucial stops within six minutes in the first half.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Mikel Merino's use of 'mourning' is a bit dramatic, but I get the competitive frustration. Spain had 27 shots and couldn't score — that's tragicomedy. Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha at 40 years old showing the world what grit looks like. Inspiring stuff! 🇮🇳
As a fan, this is frustrating to watch. Spain dominated possession and chances but lacked that killer instinct. Cape Verde played out of their skin though — proper David vs Goliath stuff. Hope Spain bounce back, but they need to sort out their finishing.
It's not 'mourning', it's called humility. Spain underestimated Cape Verde and paid the price. This is why football is beautiful — rankings don't decide matches. Vozinha was phenomenal! Indian football could learn from Cape Verde's defensive organization. 🇮🇳⚽
Merino's metaphor is a bit much — nobody died, it's just a draw. But I appreciate his honesty about how athletes process disappointment. Cape Verde's performance was legendary. Spain needs to stop overthinking and start scoring. Simple as that.
Spain's 'mourning' is a bit of a luxury problem. They're still a top team, and this draw might be a wake-up call they needed. Meanwhile, Cape Verde — a nation of just 5-6 lakh people — holding Spain! That's the real story. Truly inspirational for smaller nations. 🇨🇻💪
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