Read for 2 minutesUpdated: June 16, 2026 04:34 PM IST
Spain captain and midfielder Rodri scored for World Cup debutants Cape Verde as they held the 2010 world champions to a 0-0 draw in their FIFA World Cup Group H opener on Monday. Cape Verde used a low block that Spain found it very difficult to penetrate, with both teams taking the spoils in the end.
“It wasn’t meant to be. There’s little to complain about,” he said. “We knew it was a game that required patience. They sat back and they went away too quickly. We couldn’t put it together. We created chances but couldn’t finish. The positive thing was that they didn’t do anything against us. We need to improve our finishing. That’s how they play. They don’t go forward from midfield. We need to improve our game,” Rodri said after the 1st match.
European champions Spain are one of the favorites to win the tournament and were -1200 to beat Cape Verde. But could not find a way out of it A 40-year-old goalkeeper And a stubborn defense in which Spain’s superstars answered everything thrown at them.
Not even sensational teenager Lamine Yamal, who came off the bench in the second half, could change the game, which ended in wild and emotional celebrations inside the stadium. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha broke down in tears after the final whistle and produced a brilliant performance to keep Spain at bay.
He made man of the match saves at the end of the first half to deny Ferran Torres, Pedri and Aymeric Laporte.
The closest Spain came to success came when Torres hit the bar shortly before halftime. Spain could have been the victims of an even bigger upset when Dine Borges had a late chance to score, but Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon saved his header.
On Sunday, Spain will face Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde will face Uruguay.