DEBUTANTS Cape Verde produced one of the biggest shocks in recent World Cup history by holding 2010 champions Spain to a 0-0 draw in Atlanta, United States of America tonight.
Cape Verde, the third-smallest country in terms of population to qualify for a World Cup, are 67th in FIFA’s latest ranking and were expected to be easily beaten by second-ranked Spain in their opening Group H contest.
However, the reigning European champions were laboured in attack for long spells and on the occasions Spain threatened the Cape Verde goal, 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha kept them at bay with numerous fine saves.
The introduction of Barcelona teen sensation Lamine Yamal as a second-half substitute injected life into his side and the Spain fans inside the stadium, but the 18-year-old – making his first appearance for almost eight weeks following his recovery from a hamstring injury – could not produce a decisive moment on his World Cup debut.
Ferran Torres wasted Spain’s best chance in the first half, connecting with Marc Cucurella’s header back across the six-yard box, but hitting the crossbar under pressure from Vozinha.
Mikel Oyarzabal, scorer of their Euro 2024 winner against England in the final, was denied by a superb block from Shamrock Rovers’ Roberto Lopes in the closing moments.
And as Spain pushed late on, they were almost caught out at the other end – but they avoided the ignominy of defeat as defender Diney Borges headed a corner straight at goalkeeper Unai Simon.
With agency report
