Salute to the island nation with a population of 540,000! In the last two major tournaments, Spain has defeated eight strong teams, only being held to a draw by Cape Verde.

In the first World Cup semifinal concluded on July 15, Beijing time, Spain eliminated France 2-0 to reach the World Cup final for the first time in 16 years. Spain is also very likely to achieve the feat of winning both the European Championship and the World Cup consecutively.

After Spain reached the World Cup final, the island nation of Cape Verde, with a population of 540,000, once again sparked heated discussions among fans. Because from the 2024 European Championship to this year's World Cup, Spain has recorded 13 wins and 1 draw in 14 matches. The only match they failed to win was the opening game of this World Cup's group stage, a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.

At the 2024 European Championship, Spain won all seven matches to claim the title. In the 2026 World Cup, Spain has so far achieved 6 wins and 1 draw in seven matches.

Over the past two major tournaments, Spain has not only defeatedFrancetwice. In the European Championship, they beatCroatia, Italy, and Germanyas well asEngland, while in the World Cup they have overcomeUruguay and PortugalandBelgium.

However, Spain, which had overturned eight recognized strong teams, caused a huge upset in the opening match of this World Cup. Despite firing 27 shots on goal, they were held to a draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde.

In that match, Cape Verde committed only one foul. Such a "clean" draw against Spain is truly admirable.

And if defending champion Argentina also beats England in the second semifinal tomorrow to reach the final, Cape Verde's "status" will be further elevated.

They will become the only opponent that neither the champion nor the runner-up of this World Cup could defeat in regular time.