The World Cup is plastered on buildings in Atlanta, in the south of the United States. On the outskirts of the Mercedes-Benz stadium, host of the match between Spain and Cape Verde, the image of striker Lamine Yamal, 18, dominates the landscape.
The face of the main Spanish star was projected onto the mirrored facade of a hotel, in an advertisement measuring around 130 meters high, visible from a long distance.
Nearby, in another hotel, the image of Brazilian striker Vini Jr., 25, also appears.
Around the stadium, this Sunday (14), the scene was dominated by t-shirts from teams from different nations. Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Germany were present, as well as Spain and Cape Verde, who debut in Group H this Monday.
Among the Spanish, the atmosphere was one of confidence, but also of caution. José Luís Mezquita, 25, said he believed in a victory with many goals in the debut. For him, the balance could make a difference in a bracket that will still feature a clash against Uruguay, seen as Spain’s main rival in the dispute for leadership.
“The third game is against Uruguay, and we will be fighting for first place. If we are tied, whoever has scored the most goals will go first. That’s why I think it’s important to score a lot of goals. [na estreia]”, said Mezquita.
The biggest concern, according to him, is less in Cape Verde and more in the physical state of the team’s main names.
The fan said he would prefer that Lamine Yamal be preserved in the first games if it means seeing him in better condition in the decisive stretch of the group. “For me, it’s Yamal. But I’d rather he didn’t play tomorrow [segunda] nor against Saudi Arabia and is 100% against Uruguay.”
The same mix of enthusiasm and prudence appeared between Gonzalo Seisdedos, 27, and Andrea López Labrador, 29, who arrived in Atlanta to watch the Spanish debut.
They recalled that Spain won the 2024 Euro Cup after beating teams like Germany, England, Italy, Croatia and France, but said that the World Cup requires care.
“We have to be cautious, of course. I think we have a great team, we won the European Championship, but it’s a World Cup, you never know,” said Seisdedos.
Among the players he most expects to see, he mentioned midfielder Pedri and Lamine Yamal, but also expressed concern about injuries to names like Nico Williams and Mikel Merino.
The two got tickets through the Spanish federation for US$60 (R$300) and intend to watch as many of the team’s matches as possible during the tournament.
The caution shown by fans also appeared in coach Luis de la Fuente’s speech.
In an interview this Sunday, the coach avoided treating the debut as a simple commitment and stated that the team is fully focused on Cape Verde before thinking about the group’s subsequent matches.
The coach highlighted the credentials of the African opponent, remembering that the team eliminated Cameroon on the way to the World Cup.
According to him, Cape Verde brings together players who are physically strong, fast and accustomed to European football. De la Fuente also stated that the team could be one of the surprises of the World Cup.
The main news for the Spanish came from the medical department. The coach confirmed that Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and other athletes who arrived at the tournament with physical problems are free to play. Even so, he avoided guaranteeing the presence of the Barcelona striker among the starters on his debut.
CAPEVERDIAN PRIDE
If confidence predominated among the Spanish, among the Cape Verdeans the feeling was one of pride for the unprecedented classification. Apolinário Barros, 62, traveled from Boston to Atlanta accompanied by his three daughters just to watch the African team’s debut.
Born in Cape Verde, he moved to the United States at the age of 15 and has lived in the country since 1979. Even so, he made a point of traveling hundreds of kilometers to closely monitor what he considers a historic moment for his homeland.
“Expectations are high because we had to play very competitive matches to get here. We arrived like any other team,” he stated.
Barros recognizes the difference in tradition between the two countries, but says he believes the premiere could hold surprises. “Spain has been to several World Cups. This is our first. But once the game starts and the team calms down, anything is possible.”
The fan also showed enthusiasm for Sidny Cabral, a young Cape Verdean promise who, according to him, “can surprise the world”.
In an interview, coach Bubista stated that Cape Verde’s presence in the World Cup represents more than a sporting achievement. According to him, the tournament is an opportunity to present the country to the world. “Our qualification for the World Cup is more than just sporting. It’s cultural, it’s musical, it’s everything,” he stated.
The coach also said that the team intends to compete while maintaining the identity demonstrated during the Qualifiers, based on organization, courage and tactical discipline.
Team captain, Ryan Mendes, 36, called his World Cup debut a proud moment for the country. The attacker stated that Cape Verde did not arrive in the United States just to appear. “We came here to compete,” he said.
According to him, the team will need to maintain defensive responsibility and have courage when in possession of the ball against Spain.
Spain enters the field carrying the weight of one of the most respected shirts in world football.
On the other side will be a newcomer who represents an archipelago of just over half a million inhabitants and is competing in the first World Cup in its history. The duel brings opposite realities of international football face to face.
World champion in 2010, Spain arrives at the tournament among the favorites for the title. The team is trying to transform the talent of a renewed generation into results, which seeks to put the country back among the protagonists of world football after years without reaching the most acute stages of a World Cup.
Uruguay debuts against Saudi Arabia
In addition to Spain and Cape Verde, Group H has Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. For the Spanish, winning their debut is almost an obligation for anyone who wants to advance first.
Uruguay debuts in the World Cup against Saudi Arabia, at 7pm, in Miami.
Two-time world champions (1930 and 1950), the South American team arrives at the tournament led by an experienced generation and is seen as Spain’s main competitor for the leadership of Group H.
Although they face an opponent considered technically inferior, the Uruguayans are trying to avoid surprises in a group that also includes Cape Verde.
Uruguayan favoritism, however, does not eliminate the risk of surprises. In recent World Cups, teams considered candidates for the title have stumbled on their debut.
In 2022, Argentina were defeated by Saudi Arabia in one of the most unexpected results in the tournament’s history. In the same World Cup, Germany lost to Japan.
