By Chiemeka ugwowo, Abuja
Cape Verde stun Spain with historic goalless draw on World Cup debut
Cape Verde shocked reigning European champions Spain after holding them to a 0–0 draw in their first-ever World Cup appearance on Monday in Atlanta.
Despite Spain controlling possession and producing 27 shots on goal, they were repeatedly denied by a resolute Cape Verde defence and an outstanding performance from veteran goalkeeper Vozinha.
The 40-year-old, who plays for Portuguese second-tier side Chaves, delivered a heroic display with seven crucial saves to preserve a famous clean sheet for his country.
Vozinha’s performance places him among the oldest goalkeepers to feature at a World Cup, and he is now the second-oldest to make a debut at the tournament, behind Egypt’s Essam El-Hadary, who played at 45 in 2018.
Cape Verde’s discipline stood out throughout the match, committing just one foul — the lowest recorded in a World Cup game since 1966 — with Sidny Lopes Cabral booked for that challenge.
Spain’s attack struggled to find rhythm, with striker Mikel Oyarzabal, hero of Euro 2024, going largely unnoticed in the early stages and failing to register a touch in the opening 30 minutes.
The result extends Spain’s recent struggles in World Cup competitions, where they have continued to find goals hard to come by despite dominating possession and chances in several matches.
For Cape Verde, the draw marks a dream debut on football’s biggest stage and a major early statement in their World Cup campaign.
