NEW DELHI: Spain, one of FIFA World Cup’s hot favourites, failed to score a single goal in their first match as debutants Cabo Verde remarkably managed to hold the European giants to a goalless draw in their Group H match.
Cabo Verde’s impressive defensive performance and a couple of excellent saves from 40-year-old Vozinha ensured the African side registered their first point in the World Cup.
Spain’s rising star Lamine Yamal came on in the 71st minute as a substitute, but he failed to help his side score.
In another Group H match, Maxi Araújo scored an equaliser for Uruguay in the 80th minute as Saudi Arabia held the South American side to a 1-1 draw.
Saudi Arabia, which famously defeated Argentina 2-1 in their 2022 tournament opener, opened the scoring through Abdulelah Alamri’s 41st-minute strike.
Had they beaten Uruguay, the match would have been another shock of the tournament.
In a Group G clash, Belgium were held to a 1-1 draw by Egypt. A clever pass from Mohamed Salah helped Emam Ashour score a superb goal for Egypt in the 19th minute. Belgium tried hard to equalise but had to wait until the 66th minute, when an unfortunate own goal from Mohamed Hany helped the European side secure a draw.
Other Result: Group G: Iran 2, New Zealand 2
