Mikel Oyarzabal entered the history books on Sunday — but not in the way he or Spain would have wanted. The Euro 2024 final hero went the first 30 minutes of Spain’s World Cup opener against Cape Verde without touching the ball once.
According to data from Opta, Oyarzabal is the first recorded player since 1966 to start a World Cup match and go a full half-hour without a single touch. It’s a stat that sounds almost impossible at this level, but the footage backs it up.
Spain’s First-Half Struggles Were Real
La Roja looked disjointed in the opening period against a well-organized Cape Verde side that pressed aggressively and cut off passing lanes. Spain’s build-up play lacked its usual rhythm, and without Lamine Yamal — who started on the bench — the attacking third had no spark.
Oyarzabal, often a clutch performer off the bench, was isolated on the left and rarely saw service. The team has not confirmed any tactical adjustments at halftime, but the shift was immediate: Yamal entered in the 46th minute, and Spain’s fluidity returned almost instantly.
Cape Verde Deserves Credit
While Oyarzabal’s zero-touch stat will dominate headlines, it’s worth noting why it happened. Cape Verde came out fearless, compressing space and forcing Spain into sideways passes. They held their shape and made a statement that they’re not here just to make up the numbers.
Fans online noted the irony of Oyarzabal’s stat considering his Euro 2024 heroics, and some wondered if manager Luis de la Fuente waited too long to adjust the lineup. But the bigger picture is that Spain got the win — and the forward’s odd record may just be a footnote by the time group play ends.
Still, for a player who scored the winner in a European Championship final, starting a World Cup with 30 minutes of zero involvement is a harsh reminder that past glory doesn’t guarantee a smooth ride.
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