Spain hit form as Yamal trio set to face Cape Verde

Spain show their hand

Spain wrapped up their pre-World Cup preparations with a 3–1 win over Peru on Sunday, and they look ready for next Monday's opener against Cape Verde. Pedri, Ferran Torres, and Oyarzabal were among those who featured, with Unai Simón starting in goal and Raya also getting minutes (1). The Spanish press is bullish – one outlet wrote this team "can play on Everest" after the performance. Spain controlled the match and will carry real momentum into the World Cup.

Yamal, Williams set to face Cape Verde

Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Victor Munoz were all rested against Peru as they recover from injuries – but Spain manager Luis de la Fuente says all three should be ready for the Cape Verde match. "I think all three will be available for the next match," de la Fuente said. "If there are no problems in the next few days, we expect them to be ready for the 15th" (2). That means Cape Verde's backline will likely face a full-strength Spanish attack, including the teenage star Yamal.

Vozinha: the butterfly effect behind his name

Ahead of Cape Verde's historic World Cup debut, an odd story links goalkeeper Vozinha to Brazilian football legend Renato Gaúcho. His real name is Josimar – a name his father chose after watching Renato Gaúcho dominate for Grêmio in the 1980s (3). A small thread connecting Cape Verde's shot-stopper to one of South America's greats, just as he prepares for the biggest stage of his career.