World Cup Roundup: Two Group-Stage Matches End in Low-Scoring Draws
Spain 0-0 Cape Verde
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
Spain vs. Cape Verde (0-0)
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha made 7 saves to secure a historic point.
The match between Spain and Cape Verde ended without goals from either side. Cape Verde's goalkeeper, Vozinha, was the standout performer, making 7 saves to deny the Spanish attack.
Portugal vs. DR Congo (1-1)
DR Congo scored their first-ever World Cup goal, but Portugal salvaged a late draw.
DR Congo took the lead just before halftime with a goal by Yoane Wissa. Portugal appeared to equalize in the 55th minute through João Neves, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call on João Cancelo.
In the 86th minute, Portugal’s Tomás Araújo committed a foul on Wissa, stopping a potential scoring opportunity. Araújo received a yellow card for the challenge. The match ended 1-1.
Notable Statistics
- Portugal recorded 75% possession during their match.
- Despite dominating the ball, Portugal’s expected goals (xG) total was lower than DR Congo’s.
- Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo attempted two shots, both of which went wide right.
Broader Context
Both Spain and Portugal are expected to advance from the group stage. Cape Verde had never previously participated in a World Cup tournament. DR Congo had not previously scored a goal in a World Cup tournament.
In a separate match, Curacao drew 0-0 with Ecuador. Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves in that match, placing him near the record for most saves in a single World Cup match (currently held by Tim Howard of the USA with 16 saves against Belgium in 2014, though some sources dispute the official count). Room plays for Miami FC in the USL Championship. Curacao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.