World Cup 2026: Vozinha stars as Cape Verde hold Spain to historic draw

ATLANTA: Cape Verde made a memorable debut on the FIFA World Cup stage by holding European champions Spain to a remarkable 0-0 draw in their Group H opener here at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday, thanks largely to an inspired display from veteran goalkeeper Vozinha.

Spain dominated proceedings throughout the contest, enjoying nearly 75 percent possession and registering 27 attempts on goal.

However, they were unable to find a way past a disciplined Cape Verde defence that produced one of the tournament’s biggest surprises so far.

The African side adopted a deep defensive approach from the outset, crowding their penalty area and forcing Spain to search patiently for openings.

Despite controlling the ball for long periods, Luis de la Fuente’s side struggled to break down the well-organised opposition.

Spain’s best opportunities arrived before the interval. Vozinha made an excellent save to deny Pedri in the 36th minute, while Ferran Torres struck the crossbar moments later.

The rebound fell to Mikel Oyarzabal, whose header was brilliantly tipped away by the Cape Verde goalkeeper.

Vozinha continued his heroics by denying Aymeric Laporte shortly before half-time.

The Spaniards maintained pressure after the restart but lacked precision in front of goal. Oyarzabal squandered a close-range chance, while Fabian Ruiz failed to trouble the goalkeeper from promising positions.

The introduction of teenage star Lamine Yamal in the 70th minute injected urgency into Spain’s attack.

However, Cape Verde remained resilient, with Oyarzabal seeing a late effort blocked as frustration mounted for the European champions.

Vozinha was deservedly named Player of the Match and left the pitch in tears after guiding his nation to a historic point.

Elsewhere in Group H, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay were due to meet later on Monday in Miami.