Cape Verde Hold Spain to Historic Goalless Draw in World Cup Opener

Cape Verde earned a historic point on their World Cup debut, holding second-ranked Spain to a 0-0 draw in Atlanta in one of the biggest shocks the tournament has seen in recent years.

The Blue Sharks, ranked 67th in the world and making their first-ever World Cup appearance, were widely expected to struggle against the reigning European champions in Group H. Instead, they frustrated Spain for long stretches and came close to pulling off an outright upset.

Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, was the standout performer of the match. The Chaves shot-stopper made a string of sharp saves to keep Spain off the scoresheet and was visibly emotional at the final whistle as his teammates rushed to celebrate with him.

Spain did create chances but could not convert. Ferran Torres hit the crossbar in the first half after connecting with a header back across the six-yard box, and Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored the winner at Euro 2024 against England, was denied by a goal-line block from Roberto Lopes in the closing stages.

Lamine Yamal came off the bench in the second half and gave Spain more spark, but the 17-year-old Barcelona winger, returning from a hamstring injury, could not find a breakthrough on his World Cup debut.

Cape Verde also had a late scare of their own. Defender Diney Borges met a corner with a header but aimed it straight at goalkeeper Unai Simon, sparing Spain from what would have been an embarrassing defeat.

Cape Verde qualified for the tournament by topping a group that included Cameroon. The point they picked up against Spain puts them in a strong position to advance as one of the best third-placed teams, which would make them the first African debutants to reach the knockout stage since Ghana in 2006.

Spain have won only three matches in their opening World Cup games since lifting the trophy in 2010. Their road to that title also began with a loss, against Switzerland, so there is some historical comfort for the Spanish camp, but there is clearly work to do before they face Saudi Arabia in Atlanta on Sunday.

Cape Verde's next game is against Uruguay in Miami.