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Spain’s World Cup campaign has not started as planned, with disappointment already setting in after just one match.

The goalless draw against a spirited and well-organised Cape Verde side came as a major surprise. While Cape Verde deserved most of the credit for their resilience, Spain will know their display fell well below the high standards they usually set.

The challenge ahead might be even tougher. Saudi Arabia, who famously shocked the world by defeating Argentina in their opening match of the last World Cup, once again looked lively in their first fixture this summer. They led Uruguay for a long stretch before eventually settling for a 1-1 draw.

Spain’s supporters, many of whom turned up in large numbers expecting to see Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal in action against Cape Verde, may have to remain patient. The teenager entered the tournament nursing a hamstring issue and, although he has resumed training with the team, coach Luis de la Fuente is likely to handle his involvement carefully. Yamal himself admitted it’s still too early for him to complete a full 90 minutes.

Similarly, winger Nico Williams was also managing fitness concerns, and Spain sorely missed the attacking creativity both wide players typically bring to the final third during that frustrating opener.

With both of them expected to feature only partially once again, Spain will need to find their attacking inspiration from elsewhere against a Saudi Arabia side known for its discipline and defensive organisation.

For Saudi Arabia, goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais will once more be a key figure. After a strong showing in their first match, he could be in for another busy evening as he faces Spain’s array of attacking talent.

It is, however, difficult to imagine Spain beginning this encounter with the same sluggishness and complacency that marked their performance against Cape Verde, which eventually turned into visible frustration on the pitch.

Saudi Arabia, who led Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay for much of their previous fixture before being pegged back to a 1-1 draw, will look to build on that performance and frustrate Spain in similar fashion.

De la Fuente will be counting on his players to shake off their slow start and demonstrate the real calibre of football that fans expect from the reigning European champions as they look to seize control of their World Cup destiny.