Vozinha’s Seven Saves Earn Cape Verde Stunning Draw With Spain

Group Stage · Group H · Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta · June 15, 2026

Cape Verde held Spain to a 0-0 draw in Atlanta, with goalkeeper Vozinha making seven saves against one of the tournament favorites. It was Cape Verde’s first ever World Cup match.

There were no goals, but there was no shortage of chances. Spain took 13 shots in the first half and 14 in the second, and Ferran Torres hit the woodwork. Fabián Ruiz had five attempts and Mikel Oyarzabal four, but neither could find a way past Vozinha.

Cape Verde lost Jovane Cabral to injury in the 61st minute, one of three changes they made at that point, with Willy Semedo, Nuno Da Costa and Deroy Duarte coming on. Spain turned to their bench in the 71st minute, sending on Lamine Yamal and Mikel Merino, and later added Dani Olmo and Nico Williams, but the breakthrough never came. Yamal completed two dribbles in his 19 minutes. At the other end, substitute Telmo Arcanjo created a big chance for Cape Verde late on. Cape Verde committed only one foul all game.

Spain had 74% of the ball, completed 734 of 800 passes, or 92%, and took 27 shots, seven of them on target, for 2.10 expected goals. They also won 11 corners to Cape Verde’s one. Cape Verde managed six shots of their own, one on target, for 0.20 expected goals, and Unai Simón had to make only one save.

Vozinha stopped everything else and earned a 9.6 match rating, the highest on the field. In front of him, Diney Borges made five tackles and two interceptions and had Cape Verde’s only shot on target, while Pico added two interceptions.

For Spain, Pedri made five key passes, created a big chance and completed three dribbles, but was booked in stoppage time. Rodri, who played until the 87th minute, added three key passes, and Marcos Llorente also made three key passes. Aymeric Laporte had two shots and two interceptions.

Spain started in a 4-3-3, with Rodri flanked by Pedri and Fabián Ruiz in midfield and a front three of Torres, Oyarzabal and Pablo Gavi. Pau Cubarsí partnered Laporte in central defense. Cape Verde lined up in a 4-1-4-1, with Kevin Lenini screening the back four and Dailon Rocha Livramento alone in attack.

Both teams take a point from the opening game in Group H. Uruguay and Saudi Arabia play later today. Spain face Saudi Arabia next, while Cape Verde meet Uruguay.

More: Spain at the 2026 World Cup · Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup · Group H guide

ESO Soccer Match Desk

Archive coverage. First published on ESO Soccer on October 2, 2026. The archive date reflects the events covered.