Spain frustrated by World Cup newcomers Cape Verde in goalless draw

ATLANTA: Spain were held to a 0-0 draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde in their opening Group H match on Monday, with the European champions unable to break down the tournament newcomers despite dominating possession.

Considered among the leading contenders before the competition, Spain were expected to begin with a straightforward win. Instead, Luis de la Fuente’s side finished without a goal even after controlling 74 per cent of the ball and applying sustained pressure on the Cape Verde defence.

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal was introduced from the bench, but his arrival did not change the outcome as Spain failed to find a way past Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha and a resolute back line.

The result marked a landmark occasion for Cape Verde, whose players and fans celebrated a point in the country’s first-ever World Cup match. Known as the Blue Sharks, the island nation of about 525,000 people reached the finals for the first time after the World Cup’s expansion to 48 teams. Several betting websites had listed Cape Verde as 2000-1 outsiders to win the tournament.