{"id":2832,"date":"2026-06-16T08:03:19","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T08:03:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bostonrelocationinsider.com\/?p=2832"},"modified":"2026-06-16T08:03:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T08:03:19","slug":"cape-verdes-scoreless-draw-with-spain-among-world-cups-historic-results-and-a-potential-roja-flag-for-contender","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bostonrelocationinsider.com\/?p=2832","title":{"rendered":"Cape Verde\u2019s scoreless draw with Spain among World Cup\u2019s historic results, and a potential Roja flag for contender"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It was not what Merriam-Webster defines as an upset \u2014 \u201can unexpected defeat.\u201d But Cape Verde holding Spain to a scoreless tie in Atlanta on Monday might as well have been a defeat for La Roja. <\/span><\/p>\n

Read more Special election for former US representative Eric Swalwell\u2019s seat draws a crowded field in California<\/a><\/p>\n

And the result rates among the greatest surprises in World Cup history. How great? Up with the following:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u22c5 In 1950, the United States edged England, 1-0 \u2014 a score so unexpected, some thought it a typo and that England had won, 10-0;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u22c5 Four years later, it was \u201cThe Miracle of Bern,\u201d West Germany defeating Hungary, 3-2, in the final two weeks after losing to the Magyars, 8-3;<\/span><\/p>\n

\u22c5 In 1966, North Korea blanked Italy, 1-0, on a goal by Pak Doo-Ik in Middlesbrough, England;<\/span><\/p>\n

\u22c5 The defending champion fell in the opening game in 1990 (Cameroon 1, Argentina 0) and 2002 (Senegal 1, France 0);<\/span><\/p>\n

\u22c5 In Qatar four years ago, Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina, 2-1, in its group-play opener. <\/span><\/p>\n

The United States, West Germany, North Korea, Cameroon, Senegal, and Saudi Arabia might not have been at their best in soccer at the time of their accomplishments, but the countries can\u2019t say they didn\u2019t have the population or resources to compete.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not so, Cape Verde. The population of its 10 islands totals 500,000, one one-hundredth of Spain\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related: <\/span><\/span>Tiny Cape Verde ties powerhouse Spain, shocking World Cup and sending local fans into celebrations<\/div>\n

Then, there are the odds and roster value. Cape Verde is listed at 1,000-1 to win the World Cup; Spain is 5-1, second favorite behind France. Cape Verde\u2019s players are worth 54.5 million euros, according to Transfermarkt. Spain\u2019s, 1.22 billion. <\/span><\/p>\n

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In other words, consider this as good as a win for Cape Verde. The Tubar\u00f5es Azuis are making their World Cup debut, and they were not expected to be a factor in Group H with Uruguay (two-time champions), Spain (one title), and Saudi Arabia.<\/span><\/p>\n

La Roja was expected to breeze through group play, and they yet may do so. But this match raised doubts, and also exposed weaknesses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spain lacked wing threats, with Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal recovering from injury. Once they entered as late substitutes, neither seemed to trouble Cape Verde.<\/span><\/p>\n

Coach Luis de la Fuente\u2019s reluctance to use Dani Olmo could be costly. Olmo, an 81st-minute replacement for Ferran Torres, entered too late to make a difference. During Spain\u2019s 2024 Euro championship run, Olmo also began the tournament on the bench, then scored or produced game-winning plays in four games.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related: <\/span><\/span>World Cup scores and schedules<\/div>\n

Then, there are questions about La Roja\u2019s central defenders. De la Fuente selected two from Barcelona, which is known for scoring goals, not so much for stopping them. Starter Pau Cubars\u00ed, 19, doesn\u2019t lack experience, but he might not be ready to take charge at this level. <\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, Spain did achieve a shutout, so it is difficult to fault the defense. But some situations call for the back line to contribute to the attack, and that was the case against Cape Verde. Cubars\u00ed recognized the need to get forward, and he moved up to take a shot early. But his off-target attempt also exposed his inability to threaten. And, so, Cape Verde simply laid off him in the late going, which allowed it to double-team elsewhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to improve our finishing,\u201d de la Fuente said. \u201cWe created a lot, but we were missing the final touch and we weren\u2019t sharp.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Related: <\/span><\/span>What do concession items cost at the World Cup in Foxborough, and how do they compare with other events?<\/div>\n

Spain is not the only European team struggling to adjust. Euro countries usually dominate the World Cup, but they are also proving to be victims of their own success in developing players, who then are recruited by the countries of their heritage. <\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s the case with most Cape Verde players, but there is talent to be found in the archipelago. Goalkeeper Vozinha did not get to Europe until he was 30 years old. Ten years later, he was named player of the match against one of the best teams in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Spain was expected to breeze through group play, and yet may do so. 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