For this opening match of Group H, the stadium is buzzing with excitement, as Spanish fans have turned out in droves to support La Roja in its quest for a second World Cup title.
In the stands, Cape Verdean fans are witnessing a historic moment: their national team’s first World Cup match.
Draped in the archipelago’s blue, white, and red colors, they are celebrating a qualification that will go down in the country’s history.
Spain dominated the opening minutes of the match. Pedri and his teammates controlled the ball but struggled to create chances.
Neither Pedri (15th, 37th), Gavi (29th), nor Cucurella (45th) could find the back of the net. Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha was on top of his game.
The only time he was beaten (39th), Oyarzabal’s shot hit the crossbar. Under pressure, Cape Verde managed to hold on until halftime (0-0).
After the break, the nature of the match didn’t change. La Roja had possession of the ball. But the Blue Sharks defended better.
However, scoring chances were few and far between. For his part, Vozinha continued his solid performance.
Despite five minutes of stoppage time, the score remained unchanged. Cape Verde held Spain to a draw in the first World Cup match of its history and earned its first point.
