FIFA World Cup: Cape Verde pulls off stunning defence masterclass on debut, restricts Euro champions Spain to goalless draw
Atlanta, June 16
Debutants Cape Verde produced one of the biggest upsets of the ongoing FIFA World Cup, keeping a star-studded world number two-ranked Spain, who are also the current European Champions, restricted to a goalless draw in a sensational defensive masterclass at Atlanta on Monday.
Cape Verde is the third smallest nation in terms of population to ever compete in a tournament, but their defence was all heart as Spain went 27 shots without finding the back of the net, their joint-most in a FIFA World Cup WC match without scoring, tied with their 27 attempts against Paraguay in the 1998 edition, which also ended in a goalless draw.
Perhaps the biggest hero of the day was Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalie Vozinha, who pulled off a total of seven saves, with three of them coming in the first half within a matter of six minutes.
The goalie tipped over Mikel Oyarazabal's header, caught Ferran Torres close-range effort on low, also prevented a header from Aymeric Laporte from reaching the net and also denied Mikel Merino and Marc Cucurella from inside the box, taking home the 'Player of the Match' honours. He is also the oldest player to make an appearance in the nation's WC debut game at the age of 40 years and 12 days.
Shamrock Rovers' Pico Lopes also pulled off a clutch block in the 88th minute, denying a chance to Oyarazabal to score a winning goal. The WC debutants had their moments while attacking, too, as an unmarked Diney Borges' attempt was blocked by Spanish goalie Unai Simon.
Torres' six-yard strike in the first half hit the post, making it a wasteful opportunity at the goal for Spain during this match. Even though teen sensation Lamine Yamal was brought to the pitch, Spain struggled for answers. The first half saw Spain fire 12 shots, but to no avail.
Now, Spain has failed to win their last four FIFA World Cup games, their joint-longest winless streak was from the 1982 to 1986 editions of the tournament.
While the 2010 champions do not walk away empty-handed, they have a point to their name. They will have to search for answers ahead of their next clash against Saudi Arabia on June 21.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a football fan in India, this is massive. Cape Verde showing that heart can beat rankings. Spain with 27 shots and nothing to show—that's some serious defensive discipline. Hope our young Indian players learn from this. 🇮🇳⚽
Brilliant underdog story! But let's be honest: Spain's finishing was atrocious. 27 shots, 7 on target, and not a single goal? That's not just good defending, it's poor execution. They need to sort this out before Saudi Arabia match. Still, respect to Cape Verde for the fight!
Vozinha deserves all the praise—7 saves at 40 years old! 🌟 This is like when our kabaddi team pulls off an upset against a powerhouse. Cape Verde's compact defence reminds me of how smaller nations in cricket sometimes tie down big teams. Football's unpredictability is why we love it!
As someone who follows European football closely, this is a wake-up call for Spain. Tiki-taka without finishing is just passing for the sake of it. Cape Verde's defenders deserve medals—especially Pico Lopes with that last-minute block. Hats off!
This is why the World Cup is special—minnows rising! Cape Verde with population less than 6 lakhs holding Spain? Incredible. But I do think Spain will bounce back; they have quality. Just look at how India's cricket team recovers after a poor spell. Still, tonight belongs to Cape Verde!
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