Cape Verde entered Group H play ranked 67th in the world, They drew No. 3 Spain for its first match and draw they did, playing La Roja to a draw at nil.
There was no statistical advantage for the Creoles in any category but fouls, and they managed just six shot attempts with just one on target. But they knew they were outmatched and packed it in on defense. A 4-2-3-1 formation was a de facto 6-3-1 for much of the match, and despite the help of one crossbar, Cape Verde keeper Vozinha was exceptional.
• Egypt provided the other stunning draw, playing Belgium level, 1-1, in a Group G opener. Egypt, 19 positions worse in the world rankings than No.10 Belgium, actually had the better of the chances in the match — and without Mo Salah playing well — but both goalkeepers made dynamic saves to secure the result. Terrific match.
• It took everything for Uruguay, No. 18 in the world get a draw with Saudi Arabia ... No. 61. It was one of the most lopsided matches in the tournament, but Uruguay couldn't score, and yielded a terrific goal by the Saudis, off a header and rebound from a corner kick. Uruguay finally broke through in the 80th minute, finally rewarded for relentless pressure in the match — 10 shots on target.
THE ASYLUM
Shocking draws at World Cup
Cape Verde entered Group H play ranked 67th in the world, They drew No. 3 Spain for its first match and draw they did, playing La Roja to a draw at nil.
There was no statistical advantage for the Creoles in any category but fouls, and they managed just six shot attempts with just one on target. But they knew they were outmatched and packed it in on defense. A 4-2-3-1 formation was a de facto 6-3-1 for much of the match, and despite the help of one crossbar, Cape Verde keeper Vozinha was exceptional.
• Egypt provided the other stunning draw, playing Belgium level, 1-1, in a Group G opener. Egypt, 19 positions worse in the world rankings than No.10 Belgium, actually had the better of the chances in the match — and without Mo Salah playing well — but both goalkeepers made dynamic saves to secure the result. Terrific match.
• It took everything for Uruguay, No. 18 in the world get a draw with Saudi Arabia ... No. 61. It was one of the most lopsided matches in the tournament, but Uruguay couldn't score, and yielded a terrific goal by the Saudis, off a header and rebound from a corner kick. Uruguay finally broke through in the 80th minute, finally rewarded for relentless pressure in the match — 10 shots on target.
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