Mikel Merino has warned Spain to avoid a World Cup debut slip-up against Cape Verde on Monday.
What's at Stake?
Spain are among the favorites to win the tournament, having won Euro 2024, but Merino knows that underestimating Cape Verde could be costly.
The Spanish team has had mixed results in their previous World Cup debuts, including a 1-0 loss to Switzerland in 2010 and a 7-0 win over Costa Rica in 2022.
Recent Upsets
Recent results, such as Turkiye's 2-0 loss to Australia and Brazil's 1-1 draw with Morocco, have shown that no team can be taken lightly.
Mikel Merino told journalists that Spain must take the game seriously and focus on their own performance.
Cape Verde's Form
Cape Verde has been in good form, beating Serbia 3-0 in a friendly last month, and Merino acknowledges that they are a brave and well-combined team.
Merino has been important for Spain in World Cup qualifying, scoring six goals in six appearances, and will be looking to make an impact in the tournament.
Merino's Role
Merino has been used as a centre-forward by coach Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, but has not been training in that specific position under Luis de la Fuente.
He said he gets into situations where he can score, and tries to be prepared.
Mikel Merino and Spain will be looking to start the tournament strong and avoid a debut slip-up.
The game against Cape Verde will be a tough test, but Merino is confident that Spain can come out on top.
Spain's expectations are high, but Merino is keeping his feet on the ground, knowing that the tournament is full of surprises.