The European champions could not break down the African debutants and finished with a 0-0 draw in Atlanta. Goalkeeper Vozinha, aged 40, proved decisive and was named MVP.
Spain dominated possession throughout the match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium but created few clear chances. Cabo Verde defended with two compact lines and relied on the saves of Vozinha to keep a clean sheet.
Luis de la Fuente brought on Lamine Yamal in the final quarter to try to break the deadlock, but Cabo Verde’s defensive plan held firm. The Spanish coach said afterwards: “We are European champions, let no one forget”.
In Burela, a Galician fishing town with a large Cabo Verdean community, around two thousand residents celebrated their team’s historic point with a street party. Vozinha, who plays for G.D. Chaves, saw his Instagram followers surpass three million after the game.
