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FIFA 2026

Spain Held to Goalless Draw by Underdog Cape Verde

16 Jun 2026, 03:47 am
The FIFA World Cup is currently underway, and the first match in Group H saw a surprising outcome. Second-ranked Spain faced 64th-ranked Cape Verde. Spain, considered a formidable force, was widely expected to secure an easy victory. From the outset, Spain dominated the game, maintaining 70% possession and launching continuous attacks on Cape Verde's goalpost. Despite their relentless efforts, numerous shots either missed the target or were deflected. Spanish players and fans alike expressed significant disappointment. Cape Verde's goalkeeper, Dailon Livramento, played a pivotal role, acting as an impenetrable barrier and thwarting seven on-target attempts from Spain. Ultimately, neither team managed to score, and the match concluded in a goalless draw. Spain registered 27 shots towards the goalpost, with Livramento saving all seven that were on target. Despite completing 755 successful passes, Spain's inability to find the net was a major setback. Spain's coach, Luis de la Fuente Castillo, is facing criticism from fans for the team's failure. He reportedly underestimated Cape Verde, opting not to start key attacking players Lamin Yamal and Nico Williams—considered a strong duo—to prevent potential injuries. These crucial players were only introduced as substitutes in the 71st and 87th minutes, by which time Spain was already struggling to score. Fans believe Castillo's tactical decisions significantly contributed to the draw.
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