Cape Verde held giant Spain to a draw. (Photo- GETTY)
FIFA World Cup 2026: One of the biggest and shocking upsets in football history has been witnessed in the opening match of Group-H of FIFA World Cup 2026. The Cape Verde team, which was stepping on this grand stage for the first time, created history by holding strong title contender and European champion Spain to a 0-0 draw. With this, this small African country achieved its first point in World Cup history.
Amazing work of the smallest country on the biggest stage of football
This achievement of Cape Verde has resonated all over the world because this country is the smallest country in terms of area to ever qualify for the FIFA World Cup. When this team, which is ranked 64th in the world ranking, was facing a strong team like former world champion Spain, no one had imagined this result. The fighting spirit shown on the field by the players of this country with a population of about 5 lakhs won the hearts of the sports fans.
Goalkeeper Vojinha stood as a wall for 40 years
In this match played at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the Spanish team maintained its control over the ball from the beginning and kept the ball possession for almost 70 percent of the time. But Cape Verde’s 40-year-old experienced goalkeeper Vozinha stood like a wall in front of the Spanish forwards. He foiled three attempts by Ferran Torres in the first half. The Spanish attack was completely neutralized by the Cape Verde defense throughout the match.
Lamin Yamal and Nico Williams were also ineffective
When Spain did not get any success for a long time in the match, in the last 20 minutes of the second half, the coach also fielded his young sensations Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. Yamal made some good passes as soon as he arrived, but the Cape Verde players did not give him any chance to play freely. Due to which both the teams had to share points.
