FIFA WC 2026: Cabo Verde hold Spain to goalless draw
What's the story
In their 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 opener, Spain were held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde. The Group H match at Atlanta Stadium saw the 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha save several attempts and claim a clean sheet. Spain, who missed numerous attempts, didn't score in the first half of a competitive match for the first time since October 2024, according to Sportstar.
Summary
A look at match summary and stats
While Spain dominated early possession, Cape Verde couldn't press forward. As the half progressed, Ferran Torres's efforts to break through were stopped by Vozinha. Notably, Spain recorded 12 shots in the first half without scoring. Mikel Oyarzabal didn't have a single touch in the first 30 minutes. Spain deployed substitutions Mikel Merino, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Nico Williams after the break, but to no avail.
Debutant
Vozinha gets clean sheet
Vozinha stole the show for Cape Verde by keeping Spain at bay. The 40-year-old earlier became the second-oldest debutant in the Men's FIFA World Cup. Vozinha, also known as Josimar Dias, entered the 2026 edition with 81 appearances for Cape Verde. He started his professional journey back in 2007.
Milestone
Gavi sets these records
At 21 years and 314 days, Gavi became the third-youngest player to feature in five FIFA World Cup matches for Spain. According to Opta, he is only behind Iker Casillas in 2002 (21y 33d) and Miguel Tendillo in 1982 (21y 154d). As per Squawka, Gavi is the sixth player to play two World Cups at or below the age of 21.
Do you know?
Forgettable feat for Oyarzabal
According to Squawka, Oyarzabal became the first player to have not recorded a single touch in the first 30 minutes of a FIFA World Cup game. He had 11 touches in the first half thereafter.