Frustrated Spain striker Oyarzabal makes history for wrong reasons in World Cup opener with Cape Verde

World Cup favourites Spain have been left frustrated at their attempts to breach Cape Verde so far in their World Cup opener.In a first half that saw La Roja dominate the ball and create a handful of chances, some tidy defending from the island nation has kept the European champions at bay. That includes striker Mikel Oyarzabal, who made history by becoming the first player at a World Cup since 1966 to go the first 30 minutes of a match without scoring. It wasnt for a lack of trying, but Cape Verdes deep defensive shape meant the forward was isolated, with the ball instead being recycled to the full-backs and wide players.Ferran Torres had the best chances of the opening 45 minutes, grazing an effort onto the crossbar from six yards before then sending a tame effort at the goalkeeper a few moments later. For every missed Spain chance, belief grew inside the Cape Verde camp that they could pull off a monumental upset.A draw against their opponents would highlight the biggest result in the nations history, and give them continued belief that a miracle can happen at the World Cup.Make sure to follow along with the second half right here on 101GreatGoals. Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Cape Verde national football team Mikel Oyarzabal Spain National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read LIVE Spain v Cape Verde: Commentary, updates, goals and stats Jon Fisher 15th June, 2026 World Cup 2026: How long is Lamine Yamal out? Latest news, injury update and Barcelona and Spain wingers reaction to hamstring problem Ben Miller 15th June, 2026 Spain vs Cape Verde live: World Cup 2026 confirmed teams and full line ups as Rodri and Unai Simon start, TV channel, live online stream and stats Ben Miller 15th June, 2026 Iraq v Norway: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction Mitch Fretton 15th June, 2026 Argentina v Algeria: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream to watch Lionel Messi, prediction Mitch Fretton 15th June, 2026 World Cup boss reacts to Liverpool and PSG transfer talk: They told me Diomande is going to sign Ben Miller 15th June, 2026