Formidable Spain Couldn't Do Anything Against Cape Verde National Team
Tournament debutants from the small island African nation, whose national flag is pleasing to the Belarusian eye, managed to snatch points from the reigning European champions — the match ended in a goalless draw.
Cape Verdean footballers celebrate their achievement. Photo: AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser
The Spanish national team, as befitted its status, dominated almost the entire match: the Spaniards controlled the ball for 74% of the time, made 27 attempts on the opponent's goal compared to Cape Verde's six, and also took 11 corner kicks. However, the African team's footballers held firm in defense and did not allow the match favorite to score a single goal.
For the Cape Verde team, which has a population of only about 583 thousand people, this marks their first participation in the World Cup finals and, accordingly, their first point earned in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Spain's star striker Mikel Oyarzabal did not touch the ball even once during the first 30 minutes of the match. This is despite him being named one of the main contenders for the tournament's top scorer title before the championship.