Cabo Verde Secures Historic Draw Against Spain in World Cup Thriller
Quick Look
- In an astonishing turn of events, Cabo Verde held Spain to a draw in Atlanta, securing a point that felt like a victory for the island nation.
- Spain, despite numerous chances and a star-studded lineup, failed to break down Cabo Verde's resolute defense, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the 48-team World Cup.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The match is part of a 48-team World Cup tournament. Spain is a favored team, while Cabo Verde is an underdog.
Live updates: Spain vs Cabo Verde
By Andrew McGarry
FT: CABO VERDE TAKES A POINT OFF SPAIN
By Andrew McGarry
One last header across goal from Oyarzabal goes out for a goal kick.
The referee blows for full time!
CABO VERDE GET A POINT AGAINST SPAIN! Oh. My. Goodness.
Extraordinary scenes in Atlanta. Is anyone daring to knock a 48-team World Cup now?
That is the sort of thing that this tournament throws up occasionally - for the Blue Sharks and everyone in Cabo Verde, that is literally the result of a lifetime!
90+4 Another break, another shot goes wide from Cabo Verde
By Andrew McGarry
The time is ticking down and Spain are getting desperate.
Cabo Verde break again, but Ryan Mendes' shot sprays wide again.
90+2 Cabo Verde break again but no joy
By Andrew McGarry
The faces on the Spanish bench are looking ... stressed to say the least.
Cabo Verde break again, the move breaks down but they have three minutes to hold out. What is happening here?
90' Cabo Verde break but shot goes wide!
By Andrew McGarry
The Blue Sharks break!
Here we go, it goes out wide left, and then brought back, but the shot is deflectged out for a corner.
ANd the corner is headed straight at Unai Simon!
Five minutes of added time!
88' A Spanish shot deflected over the bar
By Andrew McGarry
Spain break here down the right, Dani Olmo crosses it into the middle, and it's Oyarzabal with the shot - and "Pico" Lopes with the block over the bar!
What a performance.
85' More shots blocked and wide from Spain
By Andrew McGarry
This is quite incredible, that an all-star attack like Spain is still waiting to score against Cabo Verde with five minutes left.
The blue Sharks are still tackling anmd blocking for all their worth, and a tired shot from Pedri rolls well wide to the right.
82' Vozinha stops another header from Cucarella
By Andrew McGarry
Dare we say that time is starting to run out for Spain?
Another cross from teh right, it bounces and Cucarella heads it toward goal - but there's not enough power and Vozinha saves again.
80' More clearances and the Blue Sharks still holding out
By Andrew McGarry
We are having corners and crosses and everything being thrown at Cabo Verde, and a header clear from right in front of goal.
Ferran Torres is being removed for Dani OImo.
It's all hands to the wheel for La Roja here.
77' The ball is pinging around the Cabo Verde box
By Andrew McGarry
For those of you who like football formations, Cabo Verde are now playing a 6-4-0, with no one up front and a six-man backline.
The ball is pinging around the front half, and Spain are really trying to make the breakthrough, but it's still holding somehow.
75' Desperate defence from Cabo Verde
By Andrew McGarry
The Blue Sharks are under the pump here, and Spain look much more likely to score now.
That was a great ball - but it was chopped out with a desperate intercept by the defence.
72' Shot from Mikel Merino saved by Vozinha
By Andrew McGarry
The game has changed already. The fans are in to it, the roar is constant, and La Roja are moving it more quickly.
It's going to be a big task for Cabo Verde to keep holding out.
There's a cross, and Mikel Merino gets a shot in, but you've guessed it, it's a save from Vozinha!
70' Lamine Yamal comes on for Spain!
By Andrew McGarry
Here we go!
Lamine Yamal is on in Atlanta, as is Mikel Merino.
Off come Gavi and Ruiz.
There was a HUGE roar from the Spanish fans.
Can Yamal make the difference?
67' Vozinha given the shoulder by Pedri
By Andrew McGarry
That was a bit willing!
The ball was crossed in, Vozinha took the ball on the second grab and was thumped with a shoulder from Pedri.
Frustration is growing for La Roja, and as the hydration break arrives, surely there has to be movement.
Lamine Yamal seems to be warming up - will the wonderkid be the answer?
66' Boos and whistles growing as Spain still scoreless
By Andrew McGarry
The discomfort is growing among Spanish fans, and the boos and whistles are getting louder.
Will there be changes from the coach soon?
63' Still no way through for Spain
By Andrew McGarry
Another move breaks down with Cucarella's shot blocked on the left.
The Cabo Verde fans are having an absolute ball in the stands here.
Things are not happening for Spain.
60' Changes for Cabo Verde
By Andrew McGarry
The first changes of the game for Cabo Verde.
Off come Dailon Livramento, Laros Duarte and Sidny Cabral.
On go Deroy Duarte, Nuno Da Costa and Willy Semedo.
59' Cabo Verde still holding as the Mexican Wave goes around Atlanta Stadium
By Andrew McGarry
A wild host over the bar from Aymeric Laporte was followed by Spain forcing a corner, and then another cross from the right was taken by Vozinha.
La Roja are pressing, but they haven't found the way to unlock the defence.
56' Another save from Vozinha
By Andrew McGarry
Spain has had another try, with a ball into the box - but Fabian's header from six metres out went straight in the arms of Vozinha.
Open Questions
- Will this result impact Spain's future performance?
- How will this historic draw affect Cabo Verde's national morale?

