The Spanish national team failed to get off to a winning start in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup Group H in 2026, drawing 0-0 with Cape Verde. After the match, renowned Spanish commentator Manolo Lama severely criticized the performance of the team's core player, Rodri, stating that the Ballon d'Or winner is currently far from his familiar level.
In this match, the Spanish team, coached by Luis de la Fuente, firmly controlled the pace of the game, dominated possession, and created many opportunities, but consistently failed to breach the goal guarded by Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha. In the end, both sides drew a blank, and Spain had to settle for a disappointing draw.
After the match, on the program "Tiempo de Juego" (Game Time), Lama directly targeted Rodri. He stated: "Rodri once won the Ballon d'Or, and all of us admire him greatly and like him very much. But the Rodri we see now is not the Rodri we are familiar with."
Lama further pointed out that this was not just a matter of poor performance in this match. "He hasn't found his best form all season; he hasn't truly returned to his previous level," he said.
During the match, although Spain besieged the Cape Verde penalty area, they consistently lacked sufficient efficiency and penetration. Vozinha made several crucial saves, becoming the primary hero for Cape Verde in securing one point.
Ferran Torres once hit the post with a shot, and Mikel Oyarzabal also had good scoring opportunities, but neither could change the score. Rodri also attempted a long-range shot in the 85th minute, but it went wide of the goal. He was then replaced by Nico Williams, a substitution that indirectly reflected the coach's dissatisfaction with his performance.
Not only Lama, but several commentators involved in the broadcast also expressed concerns. Poli Rincón stated bluntly: "This team has run out of gas; they lack rhythm."
Paco González believed the team lacked players who could change the game with individual ability: "I'm not particularly worried about the result, but none of our players showed a spark, not even those known for their speed."
kceecakes
0
since he stole Vini's BalonD'or he haven't been thesame
Litelntz
0
His performance is equal to his team ManCity who ended the season as second best, he's no longer a X1 choice he must sit in the bench, Zubimend to start..
lol a joke this coming from a joker
Litelntz
0
just only rodri woww
Don Zayo
1
Rodri is not a striker, are they expecting him to score the goals?
pieeimpr
0
His performance is equal to his team ManCity who ended the season as second best, he's no longer a X1 choice he must sit in the bench, Zubimend to start..
Rodri is to Spain what Casemiro is to Brazil right now...ie dropping. . and dropping fast⬇️
lbcrna
2
CR7 Messi Form is temporal but class is permanent Rodri : everything is fake How do I justify the fact that Rodri has won the balloon d or but Neymar, iniesta, sjneidjer, Hazard, Alexis Sanchez, sanchesz, Di maria, Ozil, mbappe, have not win it .
Sam_K
0
IF THEY HAD WON, NOBODY WOULD HAVE REMEMBERED HIS NAME BUT ALL THOSE BARCELONA BOYS AROUND. NOW THAT THE RESULTS ISN’T AS THEY WANT THEY ARE TAKING THE BLAME OFF THEM AND RESTING ON RODRI. IF THE GAME WAS CONTROLLED AS WELL AS IT WAS, IT MEANS RODRI HAD DONE HIS PART. YOU DO NOT EXPECT HIM TO PUSH THE BALL INTO THE NET HIMSELF TO BE GLORIFIED. HYPOCRITES!!!
You're dumb. What does this have to do with Barcelona. Why would barca fans hate him. You are acting like he's a Madrid player[Crylaugh]
Koydilsty
0
IF THEY HAD WON, NOBODY WOULD HAVE REMEMBERED HIS NAME BUT ALL THOSE BARCELONA BOYS AROUND. NOW THAT THE RESULTS ISN’T AS THEY WANT THEY ARE TAKING THE BLAME OFF THEM AND RESTING ON RODRI. IF THE GAME WAS CONTROLLED AS WELL AS IT WAS, IT MEANS RODRI HAD DONE HIS PART. YOU DO NOT EXPECT HIM TO PUSH THE BALL INTO THE NET HIMSELF TO BE GLORIFIED. HYPOCRITES!!!
kiwcmnoruy
1
Rodri did well today
Cubabinory
0
His performance is equal to his team ManCity who ended the season as second best, he's no longer a X1 choice he must sit in the bench, Zubimend to start..
wowadrsyz
1
its normal for a player to struggle with form and rhythm after his horror injury operation so give him time people besides alot of Spain players were below par today
razaeklor
1
laL
Yoskmnprsy
0
Although I'm not Rodri's fan, but one cannot criticize or condemn a player because of one match
Suzenptuz
2
Rodri did really well today, the forwards were just not clinical in front of the goal
yoecdilsz
0
every fruit has season and time so stop criticism him
V_Hernandez
0
appreciate Cape Verde performance and stop blaming Rodri he played well but Cape Verde defence was just so impenetrable
zeuabdeklr
0
Must he dribble past defenders like Yamal?
Don't mind them The same rodri Madrid be looking for
zeuabdeklr
0
What do you expect from someone who deservedly won the Balon d'Or when he won it.
cry more
lamacnostu
0
Spain mixed football with politics, until than, the problem remains unsolved
Baebeklnru
1
no Rodri is not the problem
yenelmnopr
2
why only rodri? where are the rest
Kudabcdluy
0
What do you expect from someone who deservedly won the Balon d'Or when he won it.
ngc3bo
1
Must he dribble past defenders like Yamal?
fanaceiop
2
Since his ACL injury, Rodri has lost a couple of yards in his running and that affected his overall performance.