Cape Verde stunned the football world on Monday. The island nation held European champions Spain to a goalless draw in their World Cup debut.
Spain dominated proceedings at the Atlanta stadium with 72 percent possession. But Cape Verde's resilient defence kept them at bay throughout the Group H encounter.
Goalkeeper Vozinha, the 40-year-old Portuguese-based shot-stopper, proved instrumental in the result. He made several crucial saves while facing 27 shots, with seven directed on target.
Luis de La Fuente's men pressed relentlessly in search of the opening goal. They brought on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams Jr. in the second half to break down the stubborn African defence.
Cape Verde's backline coordinated brilliantly against the second-highest FIFA-ranked nation. Every Spanish attack met organised resistance from the disciplined visitors.
The minnows almost snatched victory late in the contest. A corner kick led to a header in added time, but Unai Simon saved comfortably.
This result extended Cape Verde's remarkable unbeaten streak against European opposition. They've now gone 13 matches without defeat to European nations since 2006.
Coach Pedro Leitão Brito's squad sits joint-top of Group H with one point. Uruguay awaits them next before they face Saudi Arabia to conclude the group stage.
Spain's failure to convert their dominance into goals will concern de La Fuente. The tournament favourites will need to be more clinical in their upcoming matches.
