Dubliner Roberto Lopes plays key role for Cape Verde in World Cup draw with Spain

Cape Verde have pulled off a huge shock by holding European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw in thier World Cup Group H opener in Atlanta.

Shamrock Rovers captain Roberto 'Pico' Lopes was named in the starting 11 and played the full 90 minutes for Cabo Verde - making his World Cup debut

Spain, who rank second in the FIFA/Coca Cola world rankings, controlled the match in all phases but were not able ​to break down Cape Verde, who entered the day as the fifth lowest ranked team in the field at No. 67.

Cape Verde delivered the first scoreless draw of this year's event against a Spain team which brought in a 31-match unbeaten ​streak (excluding penalty kicks) in official competition.

The Blue Sharks have goalkeeper Vozinha to largely thank for that. The 40-year-old finished his country's first ⁠World Cup match with seven saves.

La Roja held a 2.27-0.30 edge in expected goals, a ‌27-6 ‌lead ​in shots and 7-1 advantage in shots on goal, along with 74% of the possession. But Spain exited the opening match level on points with Cape ⁠Verde at one point, leaving the door open ​for Uruguay or Saudi Arabia to take an ​early Group H lead should either win their match late on Monday.

Spain's first premier chance came in ‌the 39th minute, when Marc Cucurella made a ​run and headed the ball down to Ferran Torres, who clanged the shot off the crossbar. The ⁠ball settled in Mikel Oyarzabal's area, but ⁠his header was ​saved by Vozinha, who recovered in time to tip it over the bar.

Fabian Ruiz had another strong chance to open the scoring on a header in the box in the 56th minute, but he directed it right at Vozinha for an easy save.

Spain waited until the 71st minute to make any subs, when they brought on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal for