Mikel Merino Reacts to Spain's Shock Draw

Mikel Merino said Spain are "dealing with the mourning" after their shock draw with Cape Verde in their opening World Cup game on Tuesday.

The World Cup debutants held Spain's stars to a goalless draw in Atlanta, with goalkeeper Vozinha named MVP.

Merino told journalists that each player has his way of dealing with the disappointment of not getting the three points.

Mikel Merino was asked to clarify his use of the word "mourning", which suggested the squad were struggling to deal with the result.

Merino pointed to the example of defending champions Argentina, who began the 2022 World Cup with a loss to Saudi Arabia before going on to lift the trophy in Qatar.

The Arsenal midfielder also mentioned Spain's 2010 World Cup winners, who lost their opening game to Switzerland.

Mikel Merino said the team has five days to prepare for the Saudi Arabia game, and for recovering players such as Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams to get closer to full match fitness.

After the draw, Merino said the first thing the team wants to do is play again, to lose the bad taste in their mouth.

Lamine Yamal looks fine, according to Merino, and hasn't lost the energy that characterises him.

The youngsters give the team energy and spark, while the veterans provide calm, said Merino.

Mikel Merino believes the squad is well-balanced, with a good mix of experienced players and young talent.

The team is now back at their training camp in Chattanooga, Tennessee, preparing for their next match against Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

Mikel Merino said the team is thinking about what they have to improve, and they're already looking forward to the next game.

The draw with Cape Verde has left Group H wide open, with Saudi Arabia and Uruguay also drawing their opening game.

Mikel Merino and Spain will be looking to bounce back from the disappointing result and get their World Cup campaign back on track.

The World Cup debutants Cape Verde will be looking to build on their impressive performance against Spain.

Mikel Merino and his teammates will be hoping to get back to winning ways against Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

The match against Saudi Arabia will be a crucial one for Spain, as they look to get their World Cup campaign back on track.

Mikel Merino said the team is focused on the next game, and they're not getting too caught up in the disappointment of the draw.

The team is looking to learn from their mistakes and improve their performance in the next game.

Mikel Merino believes that the team has the talent and the experience to go far in the World Cup.

The next few days will be important for Spain, as they prepare for the match against Saudi Arabia.

Mikel Merino and his teammates will be looking to put the disappointment of the draw behind them and focus on the next game.

The World Cup is a long tournament, and Mikel Merino said that the team is not getting too caught up in the result of one game.

The team is looking to take it one game at a time, and they're focused on the next match against Saudi Arabia.

Mikel Merino said that the team is confident in their abilities, and they're looking to get back to winning ways.

The match against Saudi Arabia will be an important one for Spain, as they look to get their World Cup campaign back on track.

Mikel Merino and his teammates will be hoping to get a positive result and build on their performance in the next game.