FT · World: World Cup · Monday, 15 June 2026

Spain 00 Cape VerdeMatch recap & Bawler model verdict · Monday, 15 June 2026

> 🧠 Model verdict
✗ Result against the lean

Pre-match, Bawler had Spain at 56%, draw at 27%, Cape Verde at 17%. Against expectation, the match finished 0-0. The model's headline call was Spain to win.

> Pre-match probability vs result
Spain win
56%
Draw
27%
Actual ✓
Verde win
17%
> Expected vs actual goals
Model expected (xG)
1.920.97
Total 2.89
Actual
00
Total 0 (-2.9 vs xG)

Match underperformed xG by 2.9 goals. Below-expectation scoring — could be wasteful finishing, strong goalkeeping, or low-quality chances the model over-rated.

> 🧾 What the model called · and how it landed
High confidence
Over 1.5 Goals
Pre-match: 74%
✗ Lost
Medium confidence
BTTS No
Pre-match: 46%
✓ Won
Outside shot
Over 3.5 Goals
Pre-match: 27%
✗ Lost
> What we said pre-match
"Over 1.5 Goals at 74% probability is the play, with Spain's 0.95 xG advantage and 56% win odds ensuring attacking pressure even in a low-total fixture."

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