Spain vs Cape Verde LIVE!
Cape Verde are celebrating one of the great World Cup shocks after holding Spain to a goalless draw in Atlanta. In their first-ever game on football’s biggest stage, the Group H minnows delivered a superb defensive display and were indebted to 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha for producing a string of excellent saves to thwart the out-of-sorts reigning European champions - many people’s favourites to go all the way in North America this summer.
Ferran Torres smashed sluggish Spain’s best chance against the crossbar from point-blank range in the first half, summing up a wretched afternoon for La Roja, who have suffered a surprise group stage exit and back-to-back last-16 defeats since winning the World Cup for the first time in 2010 as part of a historic run of three consecutive major tournament triumphs. They will have to improve fast as they look to bounce back against Saudi Arabia on Sunday, with Lamine Yamal needing to get up to speed quickly after his late cameo following injury could not spare their blushes.
Cape Verde will rightly savour by far the most famous day in their footballing history, before facing another tough challenge at the weekend when they take on Uruguay in Miami. Follow reaction to Spain vs Cape Verde live below!
Spain vs Cape Verde latest news
Cape Verde hold Spain to draw in huge World Cup shock Fans celebrate Cape Verde's most famous day in football 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha shines in stunning stalemate Lamine Yamal can't spare Spain's blushes in late cameo Ferran Torres hits crossbar from point-blank range in first halfLive updates
A tale of two 'keepers
Unai Simon, on the other hand, was not a happy bunny.
He only had one save to make from that Borges header, so could not really have changed the outcome today.
GettyWho is Vozinha?
The name on everyone’s lips: Vozinha.
So, who is he?
Vozinha, 40, plies his club football for GD Chaves in the Portuguese Second Division, conceding only 23 goals in 19 matches as they finished 9th.
He’s made 89 appearances for his county after making his debut in September 2012 and played in their only AFCON apperance in 2013, where they were knocked out in the quarter finals by Ghana.
He also now has 1.7 million Instagram followers - I’m pretty sure it was only about seven before the game.
Hero: Vozinha holding aloft the Cape Verde flagGettySolid as a rock
Pico Lopes was a rock at the back today - he made several crucial clearances, including that goal-saving block near the end.
Imagine signing a World Cup centre back from LinkedIn? Probably the best thing that platform’s ever done.
Pico (far left) blocks off Ferran Torres.GettySpain plummet down the FIFA World Rankings
Spain have slipped from 2nd to 3rd in the rankings after that draw.
Cape Verde have gone up three places from 67th to 64th.
How the turntables turn.
Unsurprisingly, Vozinha has been awarded player of the match.
He made seven saves, including a couple of brilliant ones.
GettyBetter luck next time?
Nico Williams’ late entrance could not prevent this shock Spain draw.
They next play Group H opponents Saudia Arabia on Sunday 21st June at 5pm BST.
De la Fuente will hope Williams and Yamal are fit from the start in that one.
GettyFT Spain 0-0 Cape Verde
We’re still waiting to here from any of the Spain and Cape Verde players and managers.
FT Spain 0-0 Cape Verde
‘Did that just happen?’
GettyDreaming is free
Cape Verde manager Bubista, who played 21 times for the Blue Sharks between 1989 and 2005, looks as though he can’t quite believe it.
They are the second-smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup and they’ve just drawn with Spain.
GettySpain 0-0 Cape Verde FT
These images sum the game up perfectly: pride for Cape Verde; disappointment for Spain.
Getty
GettyLatest updatesOlder updates