The 2010 World Cup winners failed to breakdown the island nation, ranked 64th on the FIFA rankings, who dug deep to earn a 0-0 draw.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was superb between the sticks, denying a Spanish onslaught to hold for an important point.
Spain, regarded as one of the strong pre-tournament favourites, had been expected to cruise past Cape Verde in their Group H opener in Atlanta.
But despite enjoying 74 percent possession and laying siege to the Cape Verde goal, the 2010 world champions were unable to find a breakthrough against the underdogs from the volcanic archipelago of just 525,000 people, who are ranked as 2000-1 outsiders to win the World Cup by several betting websites.
Not even the introduction off the bench of Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal could engineer a goal for Luis de la Fuente’s men.
Cape Verde’s players and supporters celebrated wildly after securing an improbable point in what was their first ever World Cup match.
Photo: Reuters/Brett Davis
