World Cup debutants Cape Verde hold Spain to a goalless draw in Atlanta
Cape Verde marked their World Cup debut with a famous 0-0 draw against European champions Spain, as goalkeeper Vozinha produced a string of saves to keep the Group H favourites at bay.
A resolute Cape Verde side, playing their first ever World Cup match, frustrated Spain throughout a goalless draw in Atlanta.
Spain's early pressure
Spain dominated possession but struggled to create clear openings until late in the first half. Ferran Torres came closest to breaking the deadlock when he smashed a close-range shot against the crossbar, and from the rebound Vozinha tipped Mikel Oyarzabal's header over the bar.
Vozinha stands firm
The Cape Verde goalkeeper continued to shine, also denying Torres and Aymeric Laporte before the interval. Even after Spain introduced winger Lamine Yamal, Vozinha and his defence remained organized and compact, repelling everything thrown at them.
Cape Verde threaten late
Rather than clinging on, the debutants pushed forward in the closing stages and created chances of their own, threatening to snatch an even bigger upset. Shamrock Rovers defender Pico Lopes was among those who contributed to a disciplined defensive display that earned Cape Verde a point on a historic night.
