Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha delivered an outstanding performance as his team faced Spain in their opening Group H match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Spain national team went head-to-head with Cape Verde in their first Group H fixture of the tournament.
The clash took place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday (15 June 2026) evening local time.
Alongside Spain and Cape Verde, Group H also features Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
Throughout the history of the World Cup, Spain have won the title once — during the 2010 edition held in South Africa.
Cape Verde, on the other hand, are one of four nations making their debut appearance at this year’s World Cup.
MATCH SUMMARY
As favourites, Spain immediately took control of the game, applying intense pressure and pinning Cape Verde deep in their own half.
Despite dominating possession, Spain struggled to find the opening goal.
Cape Verde’s disciplined defensive organisation frustrated the Spanish attackers.
Spain created several chances towards the end of the first half, including a strike from Mikel Oyarzabal that hit the crossbar and a shot by Ferran Torres that was well saved by Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha.
The score remained goalless as the teams headed into half-time.
In the second half, Spain continued to dominate possession and control the tempo of the match.
In the 51st minute, Spain came close to scoring through Fabian Ruiz, but his effort went wide of the target.
Five minutes later, Vozinha once again denied a headed effort from Ruiz.
By the 65th minute, the scoreline was still locked at 0–0.
In the 71st minute, Spain made a double substitution to boost their attacking strength, bringing on Mikel Merino and Lamine Yamal to replace Fabian Ruiz and Gavi.
Cape Verde nearly stole the win in the dying moments of normal time through a corner kick routine, but Spain’s goalkeeper managed to secure the ball safely.
Spain continued to push forward in search of a winner, yet no goals were scored until the final whistle.
The match concluded in a goalless draw, with both Spain and Cape Verde sharing the points.
SPAIN STARTING XI (4-3-3)
Simon; Llorente, Cubarsi, Laporta, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Ruiz; Torres, Oyarzabal, Gavi
Substitutes:
Baena, Garcia E, Garcia J, Grimaldo, Iglesias, Yamal, Merino, Munoz, Olmo, Pino, Porro, Pubill, Raya, Williams, Zubimendi
Coach: Luis de la Fuente
CAPE VERDE STARTING XI (4-2-3-1)
Vozinha; Moreira, Lopes, Borges, Lopes Cabral; Lenini, Duarte; Mendes, Monteiro, Cabral; Livramento
Substitutes:
Arcanjo, Benchimol, Costa, Da Costa, Dos Santos, Duarte, Joao Paulo, Pina, Pires, Rodrigues, Rosa, Semedo W, Semedo Y, Stopira, Varela
Coach: Pedro Leitao Brito
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