CAPE Verde shocked the football world by holding the mighty Spain to a goalless draw in their first-ever World Cup match at Atlanta Stadium on Monday, 15 June.
The tiny island nation of just 500 000 people refused to bow down to the European champions. They defended like their lives depended on it and walked away with a point.
Hero of the night was veteran keeper, Vozinha (40). The shot-stopper made brilliant saves to deny Spain and became the oldest player to feature in a nation's World Cup debut.
Spain came into the Group H clash as massive favourites. Everyone expected the former world champions to cruise past the African minnows.
But Cape Verde had other plans.
The Blue Sharks dug in from the first whistle. Their defence was rock solid. Spain dominated the ball with 62% ball position and created chances but couldn't find a way through.
Ferran Torres came closest in the first half when he smashed the crossbar after a pass from Marc Cucurella. The ball bounced to Mikel Oyarzabal but Vozinha made a stunning save.
The keeper was on fire. Just before halftime he pulled off another brilliant stop to deny Aymeric Laporte's header.
Spain head coach, Luis de la Fuente threw on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal (18) in the 71st minute to unlock the stubborn Cape Verde defence.
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But even the Barcelona wizard couldn't break them down. The Blue Sharks stood firm and refused to crack.
Cape Verde defender, Roberto Lopes made a crucial late block to deny Oyarzabal as Spain searched for a winner.
The African underdogs even threatened to snatch victory when defender Diney Borges met a corner kick late on. But his header was gathered by Spain keeper Unai Simon.
The final whistle sparked wild scenes. Cape Verde players collapsed in tears. Their fans went crazy. They'd done it!
The draw leaves Group H wide open and gives Cape Verde real hope of reaching the knockout stages.
After holding Spain on their World Cup debut, the Blue Sharks have announced to the world - we belong here!
Next up for Cape Verde is their second group match against Uruguay on Monday, 22 June.
