Cape Verde sent football fans into a frenzy after a stunning performance on Monday (June 15) in their opening match against Spain.
The European champions missed the chance to start the campaign with a victory as the first match ended 0-0.
Even though the Spaniards showed some flashes of brilliance, they failed to find the net.
As a reminder, the Red Tide were never able to achieve a victory in their first World Cup matches.
They conceded defeat in their first match in 20410, then won the competition.
In 2014, the Red Tide lost their first two games in 2014 and 2018.
But he won his 2020 debut with a 7-0 victory over Costa Rica.
Cape Verde turned heads around the world after drawing Spain 0-0 in Atlanta.
The Spaniards had 27 shots, including seven on target, but failed to score any.
Overall, Spain struggled against an ambitious and disciplined opponent, Cape Verde, with pioneering goalkeeper Josimar José Vozinha, 40, making seven saves.
It’s no surprise that many football fans around the world heard about Cape Verde for the first time. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here are 5 reasons why Cape Verde is generating viral buzz globally.
1. The first smallest country to compete in the World Cup
Cape Verde is a small country with an estimated population of more than 500,000 inhabitants.
But with this limited population size, the island nation qualified for the World Cup while many nations still struggle to access it.
2. Vozinha, 40-year-old pioneer goalkeeper
Although the Spanish stars generated pre-match buzz, the 40-year-old Cape Verdean goalkeeper, who made 7 saves, is what everyone is talking about.
The Blue Sharks’ gloveman, Vozinha played a key role in securing a draw against Spain on his World Cup debut.
The spectacular performance made headlines, sending fans into a frenzy around the world.
The fun fact is that before his opening match, Vozinha only had 50,000 followers on Instagram, which has now surpassed 5.9 million after a superb performance with the gloves.
3. The Blue Sharks edged out the African heavyweights
Cape Verde qualified for the FIFA World Cup by defeating one of the strongest teams in Africa, the Republic of Cameroon.
Cameroon have qualified eight times, but this time Cape Verde dashed their dream by winning the dream spot.
This in itself indicates that the underdogs may have more surprises in store in the days to come.
4. The opening match against the big favorite, Spain
Most debutants at the World Cup wish they could start against easier teams, but for Cape Verde, they came up against Spain and came out on top, ending the match in a 0-0 draw.
Thus, winning a crucial point against one of the big favorites to win the title.
5. The story of the oppressed
In every World Cup, there is one such team that has grabbed headlines and left everlasting memories for football fans.
Cape Verde might have lit the flame after their debut against Spain.
The Blue Sharks story has only just begun; with breathtaking gameplay, they are the underdogs of this World Cup.
