Spain midfielder Mikel Merino has admitted that the World Cup favourites are still processing the disappointment of their unexpected opening-game draw against debutants Cape Verde, but insists the squad is already focused on responding.
La Roja were unable to break down a determined Cape Verde side in Atlanta as the World Cup newcomers produced a historic performance to hold one of the tournament favourites to a goalless draw.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha stole the spotlight with a match-winning display, while Spain were also without the full influence of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who only featured from the bench after recovering from fitness issues.
The result left Spain searching for answers ahead of their next Group H fixture against Saudi Arabia, with the group now finely balanced after another draw between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
Speaking after the result, Merino explained that the squad had different ways of handling the frustration of dropping points.
“Each player has his way of dealing with the mourning,” Merino told journalists in a half-hour news conference on Tuesday. “Some like to watch the video back straight away.
“Others like to disconnect. It’s a moment to swallow the disappointment of not getting the three points. We’re already thinking about what we have to improve.”
The Arsenal midfielder later clarified his use of the word “mourning”, explaining that he was using it as a figure of speech to describe the emotional impact of failing to meet expectations.
“Perhaps I didn’t express myself well, it was an attempt at a metaphor, a comparison,” he said. “Nobody has died. It isn’t mourning as such. But sometimes defeats feel like that.
“When you’re so competitive, you want to be at your best. When you don’t achieve it, you get home and you don’t even want to speak to your family. That’s why it’s a bit like mourning.”
Despite the setback, Merino believes Spain can draw inspiration from teams that overcame difficult starts on their way to World Cup glory.
He pointed to Argentina’s journey at the 2022 World Cup, where Lionel Messi’s side suffered a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia before recovering to lift the trophy in Qatar.
“A lot of great stories have started with games that weren’t so good,” Merino continued.
“Like the last world champions, who started by losing to Saudi Arabia in 2022 and ended up winning it… It’s early, we have room for improvement.”
The midfielder also highlighted Spain’s own history, remembering the 2010 World Cup-winning team that lost their opening match against Switzerland before eventually becoming champions.
“That 2010 golden generation lost the first game, had difficult moments, and they got a lot of criticism,” Merino said. “Then they turned it around. They’re a good example to follow, they can be an inspiration.”
With Saudi Arabia next, Spain know their margin for error has become smaller.
Merino believes the challenge is both physical and mental as the team looks to rediscover their rhythm.
“After you haven’t won, the first thing you want to do is play again, to lose the bad taste in your mouth.
“We have a lot of time to think about it now, so it’s a mental challenge.”
The midfielder also provided a positive update on Yamal, praising the young star’s attitude and influence within the squad.
“Lamine looks fine, I was just with him and he was joking as usual. He hasn’t lost that energy which characterizes him.
“The [youngsters] give us that energy, that spark, and we [veterans] give them the calm you need sometimes. That’s what I like about this squad, it’s well-balanced.”
Spain now return to training in Tennessee knowing their next match could define their World Cup journey.
For Merino and his teammates, the mission is simple: turn disappointment into a response.
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