Following a surprising draw against World Cup debutants Cape Verde, Spain midfielder Mikel Merino has urged his team to move past the disappointment and refocus on their campaign. Merino described the result as a source of “grief” for the team, acknowledging the unexpected challenge posed by Cape Verde. Despite the setback in their opening match, Merino remains optimistic about Spain’s chances of winning the tournament. He emphasized the need for a strong reaction and a return to form for the European champions. The draw has raised questions about Spain’s performance and their ability to live up to pre-tournament expectations. The team will need to regroup quickly as they progress through the group stage. Merino’s comments signal a determination to overcome this initial hurdle and demonstrate their championship credentials.