With a move to join Real Madrid confirmed overnight, Marc Cucurella lined up for Spain in their first World Cup group stage game against Cape Verde as the tournament favourites drew a blank in a 0-0 tie.
Cucurella started at left-back, on the opposite flank to La Fábrica product Marcos Llorente. His defensive work was limited, needing only one tackle and winning two duels.
Despite that, Cucurella was one of few bright sparks as coach Luis de la Fuente’s choice to go with Barcelona midfielder Gavi on the
left flank didn’t go according to plan. With first-choice wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams both managing hamstring injuries, it was left to Cucurella to give much of the width down the left.
Twice in the first half he found himself breaking through the Cape Verde defence to cut back from a long ball over the defensive line, with one being ruled offside and the other teeing up Ferran Torres for a terrible miss with a shot against the crossbar from 0.53 xG.
A similar move would give the new Real Madrid signing a chance to score himself on 82 minutes, when his header at the far post was tame and saved by Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha. It was one of seven touches in the box for Cucurella.
Cucurella’s creative work, generating 0.43 xA, was behind only midfielder Pedri and Marcos Llorente, and remained pivotal to any hopes of a Spain victory even as their attack looked blunt.
