World Cup minnows in tears after sealing shock result against tournament favourites Spain

Spain’s World Cup is off to a nightmare start with the European champions failing to beat tournament debutants Cape Verde.

The tiny African island nation frustrated their opponents as Luis de la Fuente’s side were held to a stunning goalless draw in Atlanta.

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ITV

It marks the first 0-0 of this summer’s World Cup, which comes on day five of the tournament.

Both Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams started on the bench for Spain after recent injury woes.

However, the 2010 winners were still able to name a starting line-up which included five members of their Euro 2024 final XI.

The world’s No.2 ranked nation dominated at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium but were unable to break the deadlock against their spirited opponents.

Cape Verde were appearing in their first-ever World Cup match having qualified with a population of less than 500,000.

They are the third-smallest nation ever to appear at the finals after Curacao and Iceland.

Their defensive approach restricted Spain as they struggled to create openings during the first half.

Even the first hydration break of the match failed to kickstart a performance from De la Fuente’s men.

Instead, they had to wait until late in the half before Ferran Torres hit the bar from close range.

Heroic display

AFP

A flurry of half-chances followed, but on each occasion Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was on hand to keep Spain out.

The 40-year-old produced a determined display to preserve his clean sheet.

In total, the stopper produced seven saves to deny the Spanish attack.

Yamal’s introduction in the 71st minute threatened to finally spark Spain into life.

The teenager’s pace caused immediate problems for the Cape Verde defence as he created an opening just seconds after coming on.

However, Vozinha was once again on hand to gather a tame effort on goal from Marcos Llorente.

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Defender Pico Lopes was the hero late on as he produced a miraculous block to keep out Mikel Oyarzabal.

It came just minutes before his side’s best chance of the match as Diney Borges headed straight at Unai Simon from a corner.

Prior to kick-off, Cape Verde had been ranked 65 places below their opponents in the FIFA World Rankings.

Having earned their first-ever World Cup point, the Blue Sharks have now boosted their hopes of a place in the last 32.

Meanwhile, Spain have now failed to win their opening match for the fourth time in the last five World Cups.

Their 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica in Qatar four years ago is the only time they have started their campaign with three points since 2006.

The other match in Group H on Monday night sees Uruguay face Saudi Arabia at 11pm, live on talkSPORT 2.

Spain take on Saudi Arabia in their second fixture on Sunday before concluding their group stage campaign against Uruguay on June 26.