Cape Verde hold Spain to World Cup draw as minnows produce major shock | OneFootball

Debutants pull off one of the biggest upsets in tournament history against European champions

40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha was in inspired form in Atlanta on Monday as the Group H minnows dug in with a stunning defensive display to thwart their hugely out-of-sorts opponents, who are among the favourites for glory in North America this summer.

Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Aymeric Laporte and Pedri - who was flagged offside - were all denied by the veteran stopper, who was mobbed by his appreciative team-mates.

Lamine Yamal's late introduction off the bench after his recovery from a hamstring injury could not spare sluggish Spain's blushes, with Torres spurning by far their best chance of the game when he somehow smashed against the crossbar in the first half from point-blank range.

And they could even have lost the game at the death despite their total dominance, with Unai Simon saving centre-back Diney Borges' header from a corner in the 90th minute.

The full-time whistle sparked brilliant scenes of celebration both on the pitch and in the stands following one of the World Cup’s biggest upsets and the most famous result in the history of Cape Verdean football, achieved in their first-ever match at the finals.

They will take massive confidence into their second game in Group H, which is against two-time winners Uruguay in Miami on Sunday.

Spain remain in Atlanta to play Saudi Arabia earlier in the day, with significant improvement needed - and fast - if Luis de la Fuente’s side are to avoid another disappointing World Cup showing to follow their shock group stage exit and back-to-back last-16 defeats since they lifted the trophy for the first time in South Africa in 2010.

Uruguay will hope to capitalise on Spain’s unexpected opening slip-up as they face Saudi Arabia in Miami later on Monday night.