CAPE VERDE HOLD SPAIN TO SHOCK GOALLESS DRAW IN HISTORIC WORLD CUP DEBUT

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Agency Report

European champions Spain were stunned to a goalless draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde on Monday in one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far.

Spain, widely regarded as one of the favourites to lift the trophy, dominated possession and created several chances but failed to break down a determined Cape Verde side in their Group H opener in Atlanta.

The Spanish side controlled 74 percent of possession and repeatedly threatened the opposition goal, but veteran Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha delivered a standout performance, producing seven saves to deny the 2010 world champions.

Despite introducing Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal from the bench in search of a breakthrough, Spain were unable to find the decisive goal against the resilient underdogs.

Cape Verde, appearing at the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history, celebrated the result as a memorable achievement. Nicknamed the Blue Sharks, the island nation of approximately 525,000 people exceeded expectations after arriving at the tournament as rank outsiders.

Their qualification campaign had been aided by FIFA’s expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, giving emerging football nations greater opportunities to reach the global stage.

Elsewhere on Monday’s schedule, Saudi Arabia were set to face Uruguay in another Group H encounter in Miami, while Belgium prepared to take on Egypt in a Group G clash in Seattle.

Attention also turned to Iran, who were preparing to begin their long-awaited World Cup campaign following a build-up marked by uncertainty.

AFP