Cape Verde achieved a notable result in its first World Cup appearance by holding favored Spain to a 0-0 draw. The 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha delivered a strong performance that limited one of the tournament favorites. This outcome stands as the biggest surprise so far. Cape Verde created one opportunity when Diney Borges headed late, but Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón made the save. Spain, the European champions with several star players, struggled to break down the defense. Vozinha made multiple stops before halftime. Barcelona forward Ferran Torres came closest for Spain, striking the crossbar and later testing Vozinha with another shot. The goalkeeper also stopped Pedri and cleared another chance late in the half. Cape Verde, an island nation of about 500,000 people, is competing in its debut World Cup. Spain, the 2010 winner seeking a second title, received a pre-tournament warning from coach Luis de la Fuente about Cape Verde as a potential surprise team.
