THE MINNOWS of Cape Verde pulled off a World Cup shock – as Spain had a car crash opener at the Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Luis de la Fuentes’ European champions were supposed to run through the African minnows like a matador’s knife finishing off a bull fight.
Vozinha inspired Cape Verde to a stunning point on their World Cup debut Credit: EPA
Spain failed to break the 67th-ranked team in the world Credit: EPA
Instead, inspired by Dublin-born Ricardo “Pico” Lopes, the Blue Sharks put the bite on the World Cup favourites.
Against all the odds, Lopes and Co protected keeper Josimar Dias “Vozinha” with a series of blocks, tackles and headers, sheer desire keeping Spain at bay.
Even when de la Fuente sent on Lamie Yamal and Nico Williams, in an increasingly desperate effort to find a way to break them down, there was no way through.
Lopes’ late block from Mikel Oyarzabal, deflecting the ball behind, summed up their brilliant defiance.
There was even, out of nowhere, a chance for them to nick it at the death, when Lopes’ central defensive partner Diney Borges directed a free header from their only corner of the game straight at Unai Simon in the Spain goal.
No wonder they celebrated, joy unconfined, sheer disbelief, a footballing fairytale.
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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