Cape Verde's World Cup Defender Was Recruited via LinkedIn, He Thought It Was Spam

7 minutes ago

Cape Verde's World Cup Defender Was Recruited via LinkedIn, He Thought It Was Spam

"I thought it was a spam message and I took no notice of it," Lopes said of the Portuguese LinkedIn message from Cape Verde's coach. Nine months later the coach messaged again in English, Lopes accepted immediately. The Dublin-born Shamrock Rovers defender then started Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup game: a 0-0 draw with Spain in Atlanta.

By Adit Pujari

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Belgium Held to a 1-1 Draw by Egypt

38 minutes ago

Belgium Held to a 1-1 Draw by Egypt

Belgium were held to a 1-1 draw by Egypt in their World Cup Group G opener at Lumen Field in Seattle. Emam Ashour gave Egypt the lead in the 20th minute before a Mohamed Hany own goal drew Belgium level in the 66th. Both sides take one point. Belgium face New Zealand on June 19 while Egypt play Iran.

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Cape Verde's World Cup Hero Says His Mum Could Not Attend Because of Visa Issue

42 minutes ago

Cape Verde's World Cup Hero Says His Mum Could Not Attend Because of Visa Issue

"My mum could not be here for a visa issue, and the money we had to pay for it," Cape Verde's seven-save Man of the Match said after holding Spain scoreless. "I cried after the game. I grew up with my grandparents, they passed away a few years ago. We did not manage to do this in time."

By Adit Pujari

De la Fuente Stays Calm After Spain's Shock Draw

about 1 hour ago

De la Fuente Stays Calm After Spain's Shock Draw

"When the ball does not want to enter, this can happen. But the World Cup is very long," De la Fuente said after Spain's 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in a stunning result. The reigning European champions had 27 shots, their joint most in a World Cup game without scoring since 1966. "Remember, this is very very long."

By Adit Pujari

Lamine Yamal and Cape Verde's Vozinha Make History at the World Cup

about 3 hours ago

Lamine Yamal and Cape Verde's Vozinha Make History at the World Cup

When Yamal, 18 years and 342 days old, came off the bench, he and goalkeeper Vozinha, aged 40 years and 22 days, broke the World Cup record for the biggest debut age gap: 21 years and 45 days. The previous record of 19 years and 207 days was set by David James and Ryad Boudebouz at the 2010 World Cup.

By Adit Pujari

Spain Held to a Shock 0-0 Draw by World Cup Debutants Cape Verde in Atlanta

about 4 hours ago

Spain Held to a Shock 0-0 Draw by World Cup Debutants Cape Verde in Atlanta

Reigning European champions Spain were held to a 0-0 draw by debutants Cape Verde in their World Cup Group H opener at Atlanta Stadium, a historic point for Cape Verde. Both sides take one point. Spain face Saudi Arabia on June 19 in Atlanta. Ferran Torres hit the crossbar as La Roja dominated possession but could not find a breakthrough.

By Adit Pujari

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