Cape Verde record a surprise 0-0 draw against Spain in their World Cup debut in Atlanta, denying the reigning European champions a winning start in Group H. Multiple outlets describe Spain as heavily favored, with Spain controlling large portions of play and repeatedly attacking the Cape Verde goal, including spell after spell of pressure. Despite this, Cape Verde limit Spain’s chances and keep their shape defensively, with a focus on blocking shots and tracking runners to prevent clean openings.

BBC and other reports highlight a standout performance by Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, a 40-year-old who makes key saves to preserve the goalless scoreline. Spain’s forwards fail to convert their attacking dominance, and while Spain introduce late changes and continue pressing—reports mention efforts involving Lamine Yamal—Cape Verde continue to withstand the pressure. The match ends without goals, leaving Spain to settle for a point and Cape Verde to claim a historic result on their tournament introduction. The draw is widely framed as one of the biggest shocks of the early tournament.