World Cup debutants Cape Verde hold Spain to goalless draw

Cape Verde produced one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history on Monday, holding tournament favourites Spain to a 0-0 draw in Atlanta in their first-ever match at the global football showpiece.

Making their World Cup debut, the Blue Sharks defied expectations against the reigning European champions, frustrating Spain with a disciplined defensive display and inspired goalkeeping from veteran captain Vozinha.

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Ranked 67th in the latest FIFA rankings and considered rank outsiders before the tournament, Cape Verde entered the Group H clash as overwhelming underdogs against the world’s second-ranked side.

However, they emerged with a priceless point that sparked wild celebrations among players and supporters alike.

The 2010 World Cup winners struggled to break down Cape Verde’s resilient defence despite controlling much of the game. Even the introduction of Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal in the second half failed to provide the breakthrough.

Yamal, making his first appearance in nearly eight weeks after recovering from a hamstring injury, injected energy into Spain’s attack but could not inspire a winning goal on his World Cup debut.

Spain’s best chance of the first half fell to Ferran Torres, who struck the crossbar after meeting Marc Cucurella’s header across the six-yard box while under pressure from Vozinha.

For Cape Verde, one of the smallest nations ever to qualify for a World Cup with a population of around 525,000, the result marked a historic moment. Their qualification was aided by FIFA’s expansion of the tournament to 48 teams, and they seized the opportunity with a performance that will be remembered for years.

The draw leaves Group H wide open ahead of Saudi Arabia’s clash with Uruguay later on Monday in Miami.