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 wasn’t for a lack of trying, but Cape Verde’s 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 nation’s 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.
