Debutants Cape Verde produced one of the biggest World Cup shocks of recent times by holding Spain to a goalless draw in Atlanta yesterday.
The third-smallest country in terms of population to qualify for a World Cup, Cape Verde were 67th in FIFA latest rankings and many expected them to be swept aside 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 Lamine Yamal as a second-half substitute injected life into Spanish side, but the Barcelona teenager – 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.
