Spain stunned by Cape Verde in World Cup opener

Spain held by Cape Verde in World Cup shock

Your team opened Group H with a draw against World Cup debutants Cape Verde on Monday (1) (4). It is not the start anyone expected. Spain, the European champions and a tournament favourite, could not break down a side ranked far below them. Roberto Lopes, the Dublin-born defender, anchored Cape Verde's back line through everything your forwards threw at them (4). The Guardian called it a "neutralising" of Spain's attack (1).

Vozinha becomes an overnight sensation

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was the story of the match. He earned over 7 million Instagram followers in 24 hours after his performance (3) (5). Midi Libre reports the shot-stopper, valued at roughly €50,000, tormented Spain's forwards all afternoon (5).

Yeremy Pino did not feature

One question mark from the team sheet: Yeremy Pino was absent against Cape Verde (2). Marca called it a mysterious case. No injury has been confirmed, and no explanation has been given publicly (2).

Rodri's words draw a response

Cape Verde have responded to comments Rodri made after the match (6). Marca reports the reaction, though the exact nature of Rodri's remarks and the Cape Verde reply remain unclear (6).

Big teams stumble early

Spain are not alone. Belgium and the Netherlands also opened with draws against smaller nations (7). France's Didier Deschamps had called Spain the "grand favourite" before the tournament. That label already looks heavy (7).

Fan reactions

Fans online are finding a silver lining in the new time-wasting rule being used at this World Cup, with the countdown on throw-ins and goal-kicks noticeably speeding up play. One thread on the World Cup subreddit called it a "game changer" that keeps matches feeling intense and fluid. Read the discussion here.