Cape Verde hold Spain to shock 0-0 draw in World Cup upset

ATLANTA: European champions Spain were held to a surprise goalless draw by World Cup newcomers Cape Verde in a Group H match on Tuesday, marking one of the tournament’s early upsets.

Spain, widely regarded as strong favourites, dominated possession with 74 percent of the ball and created several attacking opportunities. However, they were repeatedly denied by a disciplined and well-organised Cape Verde defence.

Despite sustained pressure, Spain failed to break the deadlock in Atlanta, leaving them frustrated after a match they were expected to win comfortably.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente introduced Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal in the second half in search of a breakthrough, but the substitution did not change the outcome.

Cape Verde players and fans celebrated the result as a historic achievement, treating the draw as a victory against one of football’s elite teams.

The result gained further attention due to Cape Verde’s debut appearance at the expanded FIFA World Cup, made possible after the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams. The island nation, with a population of around 525,000, is competing at the finals for the first time.