ATLANTA — Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha delivered a masterclass performance to help World Cup debutants Cape Verde secure a historic 0-0 draw against reigning European champions Spain at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. While the tiny African nation celebrated an unbelievable defensive milestone, the Spanish squad left the pitch deeply frustrated after failing to convert any of their 27 total shots.
Cape Verde Backline Stands Tall
The 40-year-old Chaves goalkeeper Vozinha earned the highest rating of the match with an outstanding 8.5 out of 10. Facing a relentless barrage of attacks from world-class forwards, the veteran shot-stopper recorded seven crucial saves, commandingly claimed his aerial balls, and single-handedly denied 1.46 expected goals on target.
In front of him, central defenders Diney Borges and Pico Lopes both turned in heroic performances, earning matching 8.0 ratings. Borges registered a magnificent first-half clearance to deny Mikel Oyarzabal, while Lopes, the first active League of Ireland player to ever feature at a World Cup, executed a vital late-game block on Mikel Merino to preserve the historic clean sheet.
Left-back Sidny Lopes Cabral worked tirelessly to earn a 7.0, showing immense discipline to keep his composure after picking up a very early caution. In midfield, Kevin Pina earned an 8.0 for anchoring a highly physical defensive screen that consistently disrupted the rhythm of the Spanish playmakers.
Midfielders Jamiro Monteiro and super-sub Willy Semedo both earned 7.0 ratings for their non-stop work rates, with Semedo tracking back perfectly in the second half to limit space on the flanks. The lone blemish on the African side was veteran forward Ryan Mendes, who received a 5.0 after squandering Cape Verde’s only genuine counter-attacking opportunity with a poor final ball.
Floundering Spanish Attack Frustrated
Spain controlled an overwhelming 74 percent of possession and completed 734 passes, but their star-studded front line failed to penetrate Cape Verde’s low defensive block. Winger Ferran Torres was the brightest spot in the starting attack, earning a 6.7 after forcing a fine save from Vozinha and striking the woodwork with a powerful effort. Aymeric Laporte earned a 6.9 for his defensive composure and a soaring header that nearly broke the deadlock, while fellow fullback Marc Cucurella worked relentlessly to earn a 6.8.
The rest of the starting lineup struggled significantly against the disciplined African defense. Midfield engine Rodri managed just a 6.6, while attacking midfielder Pedri was well below his usual standard, finishing with a 6.4 and picking up a late yellow card.
The lowest mark on the pitch went to forward Mikel Oyarzabal, who received a poor 5.6 after missing multiple clear headers and wasting clear-cut chances inside the penalty box. Gavi looked entirely out of ideas against Cape Verde’s midfield press, finishing with a 6.1 before being hooked in the second half.
Manager Luis de la Fuente attempted to salvage the match in the 71st minute by introducing teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and midfielder Mikel Merino. Yamal earned a 7.1 for an energetic cameo that forced Cape Verde into defensive double-teams, while Merino worked hard to earn a 6.3, but the late substitutions were not enough to rescue a sluggish team performance that rightfully leaves the coaching staff facing heavy tactical criticism.
