Why Spain struggled to break down Cape Verde's low block (but Germany didn't)

Welcome to The Athletic FC's YouTube channel, where best-in-class journalism meets video. Cape Verde earned an incredible draw in their first ever World Cup match against tournament favourites Spain thanks to heroic saves from Vozinha and an impressive defensive performance. But why did Spain struggle against Cape Verde's low block while Germany manage to score 7 against Curacao? JJ Bull is joined by Joe Devine to talk tactics. ------------ #worldcup2026 #football #soccer ------------ Try The Athletic for FREE for 30 days: https://theathletic.com/checkout2/intro30/?source=video_youtube_theathleticfc Watch our latest uploads here 👉 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9HdRjQJ0mH6bJW9MeLavdgTi-vMbJtrg&si=uKJJXdcnzAYGWiJo 💻 🎧 Watch the Tifo Football Podcast here https://www.youtube.com/@tifo-podcast 📬 Sign up for The Athletic FC Newsletter here for free: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/newsletters/the-athletic-fc/ Follow The Athletic FC: Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheAthleticFC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAthleticFC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theathleticfc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theathleticfc Listen to The Athletic Football Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/TAFPod Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/69AAB4ojTuK7gwy3ZdQdB9 Subscribe to The Athletic FC newsletter for free: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/newsletters/the-athletic-fc/ Follow The Athletic's Premier League WhatsApp Channel here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va4OzCyKwqSbZb1pna0K ------------ Additional footage sourced from AP Newsroom