Cape Verde produced a disciplined and resilient defensive display to frustrate Spain in a scoreless first half of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H encounter.

The African side delivered a near-perfect opening 45 minutes, remaining compact at the back and limiting Spain’s clear-cut opportunities despite sustained pressure from the European giants.

Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha was the standout performer of the half, making a series of important interventions and commanding his penalty area with confidence whenever Spain threatened.

While Spain dominated possession and gradually began finding space down the flanks as the half progressed, Cape Verde’s defensive organization ensured the match remained level heading into the interval.

The break may have arrived at the ideal moment for Cape Verde, with Spain beginning to exploit the wide areas more effectively in the closing stages of the half. The Islanders will now have an opportunity to regroup and address those concerns before the second period.

Despite Spain’s territorial advantage, Cape Verde can take great encouragement from a composed and determined first-half performance that has kept their World Cup hopes firmly alive.

Half-time: Spain 0-0 Cape Verde.