Debutants Cape Verde produced one of the biggest World Cup shocks of recent times by holding 2nd-ranked Spain to a goalless draw in Atlanta. The African nation, the 3rd-smallest country by population ever to qualify, defied their rank of 67th in the world to frustrate the reigning European champions in their opening Group H contest. Spain laboured in attack for long spells and found 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha in inspired form, as the veteran pulled off numerous fine saves to keep the favourites at bay.
The introduction of Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal as a 2nd-half substitute injected life into the Spanish side, but he failed to find a breakthrough on his World Cup debut following 8 weeks out with a hamstring injury. Ferran Torres wasted Spain’s best chance in the 1st half when he struck the crossbar from close range under pressure from Vozinha, whilst Euro 2024 hero Mikel Oyarzabal saw a late effort denied by a superb block from Shamrock Rovers defender Roberto Lopes. Spain nearly suffered the ultimate ignominy late on when Cape Verde defender Diney Borges headed a corner straight at goalkeeper Unai Simon.
The result gives the underdogs immense confidence that they can become the 1st African debutants to reach the knockout stages since Ghana in 2006. Cape Verde maintained 2 rigid defensive lines throughout the match, successfully restricting Spain to just 7 shots on target from 27 attempts. Vozinha, who plays his club football in the Portuguese 2nd tier, wept tears of joy at the final whistle as his teammates mobbed him to celebrate a historic point in their tournament debut.
-BBC
