FIFA World Cup debutants Cape Verde produced a sensational defensive performance to secure a 0-0 draw against European champions Spain in Atlanta.

A nation of just over 500,000 people, they held out against Luis de la Fuente’s star-studded team on Monday, recording a result which will reverberate around planet football.

While Spain are ranked third in the world, Cape Verde come in at 64th.

Cape Verde were superbly organised from back to front. While Spain predictably enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, they were frustrated for large periods by their spirited and fiercely-determined opponents.

La Roja’s clearest first-half opening came when Ferran Torres struck the crossbar after being set up by Marc Cucurella. The ball rebounded to Mikel Oyarzabal, whose instinctive header forced an outstanding save from Vozinha. The 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper was in inspired form, and he made a tremendous sprawling stop to keep out Aymeric Laporte’s header on the stroke of half-time.

The Blue Sharks had some sporadic forays into the attacking third, too, giving their defenders some much-needed respite.

Early in the second period, Fabian Ruiz curled an effort over the bar from range, but a Spanish onslaught did not materialise as Cabo Verde continued to stand firm.

At 71 minutes, De la Fuente called for Lamine Yamal off the bench – and the teenage sensation’s presence immediately changed the complexion of the game. Spain’s attacks now had an extra degree of dynamism and unpredictability, but Cape Verde marshalled him well, and gilt-edged chances still proved tough to come by.

Oyarzabal had another opportunity late in the piece, but shot off target as Cape Verde held on to bank a sensational point.

Cape Verde’s World Cup qualification was built on their outstanding backline. They recorded seven clean sheets in their ten qualifiers.

The Africans will meet Uruguay on Monday, 22 June and Saudi Arabia on Saturday, 27 June.

Courtesy of FIFA.com.