Oyarzabal goes 30 minutes without a touch to break 60-year World Cup record against Cape Verde

Mikel Oyarzabal became the first player since 1966 to go 30 minutes without touching the ball at a World Cup, as Spain were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in their Group H opener.

Despite dominating possession and registering 13 shots in the first half alone — generating 1.33 xG — Luis de la Fuente’s side could not find a way past Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who produced a string of heroic saves to keep the scoreline level at the break.

Oyarzabal, who scored 15 goals in 34 La Liga appearances for Real Sociedad during the 2025/26 season, was effectively a spectator for the opening half-hour. The 29-year-old averaged over 37 touches per game for his club last season, making his anonymity against Cape Verde all the more striking. When he finally did get involved just before the 40th minute, he managed only two opportunities — both headers — forcing a save with one and sending the other wide of the right post.

Spain’s overall control of the game was not in question. They completed more than double the passes of Cape Verde, maintained 70% possession, and restricted their opponents to just three shots with a combined xG of 0.04. The issue was purely one of finishing and, more specifically, of connecting their dominant midfield play with their striker.

The absence of Lamine Yamal from Spain’s frontline was notable, and the team’s inability to involve Oyarzabal early appeared to compound their attacking bluntness. Despite the statistical dominance, the game ended in a 0-0 stalemate — a result that will concern De La Fuente as Spain look to build momentum in the group stage.