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Cape Verde delivered one of the most remarkable World Cup surprises in recent memory after holding Spain to a 0-0 draw in Atlanta in their opening Group H match.
The debutants, who are the third-smallest nation by population to ever qualify for a World Cup, came into the match ranked 67th in the world and widely expected to be comfortably beaten by Spain, who sit second in the FIFA rankings and are considered among the tournament favourites.
Instead, Cape Verde produced a disciplined and determined performance that frustrated the reigning European champions for long stretches. Spain dominated possession and created numerous chances, finishing the match with 27 attempts on goal, but only seven were on target as they struggled to break down a well-organised defence.
Cape Verde's resistance was led by veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who delivered a heroic performance between the posts. The 40-year-old, who plays for Chaves in Portugal's second division, produced a series of crucial saves, including key stops to deny Ferran Torres, Aymeric Laporte and Mikel Oyarzabal. He was often quick off his line and commanded his area with authority, helping to keep Spain's attack at bay.
Spain came closest in the first half when Torres met Marc Cucurella's header across the six-yard box, but his effort struck the crossbar under pressure from Vozinha. Later in the game, Oyarzabal, who famously scored Spain's winner in the Euro 2024 final, was denied by a last-ditch block from Roberto Lopes of Shamrock Rovers.
Cape Verde also threatened in moments, particularly late on when Spain pushed forward in search of a winner. In one of the final chances of the match, Diney Borges headed a corner straight at Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon, sparing the favourites from a shock defeat.
The introduction of Lamine Yamal in the second half gave Spain more energy and attacking urgency, with the teenager making his first appearance in nearly two months after recovering from a hamstring injury. However, he was unable to provide the breakthrough moment on his World Cup debut.
At full-time, Vozinha was visibly emotional as he was embraced by teammates after a performance that defined the match.
Cape Verde, who topped a qualifying group that included Cameroon, now take a crucial point into their remaining fixtures and will take confidence from their resilience against elite opposition. With four of the best third-placed teams also advancing, the result strengthens their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.
Spain, meanwhile, are again reminded of their difficult history in World Cup openers and will need to improve quickly as they continue their campaign.
