Spain 0–0 Cape Verde Islands: debutants stun European champions as Vozinha defies 27 shots
European champions Spain were held to a goalless draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde in Atlanta, one of the most surprising results of the group stage. Spain dominated possession and territory, piling up 27 shots to Cape Verde's six and seven on target to one, but were repeatedly denied by 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who was named player of the match after a string of saves and broke down in tears at the final whistle. Ferran Torres struck the crossbar shortly before half-time from Spain's best opening, while Vozinha turned away efforts from Torres, Pedri and Aymeric Laporte.
Cape Verde defended with discipline and organisation, and almost snatched a sensational win late on when Diney Borges met a corner with a header that Unai Simon saved. Even the introduction of teenager Lamine Yamal from the bench could not unlock the resolute defence, and the result sparked emotional celebrations from the Cape Verde players and supporters. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente admitted his side lacked freshness and a clinical edge, while Cape Verde's Pedro Leitao Brito said the result means everything for the country.
Key moments
- •Spain registered 27 shots to Cape Verde's six but could not score, with seven efforts on target denied.
- •Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, was named player of the match for a string of saves and wept at full time.
- •Ferran Torres hit the crossbar before half-time with Spain's clearest opening.
- •Diney Borges' late header from a corner was saved by Unai Simon as Cape Verde almost stole the win.
- •Pedri was booked deep in stoppage time for halting a Cape Verde counter-attack.
Timeline
Match facts
- Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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- Referee: Adham Makhadmeh (Jordan)
Match report generated from publicly available sources. Facts are drawn from the sources below.