Cape Verde defender Roberto Lopes keeps World Cup jersey after 0‑0 draw with Spain

Roberto Lopes, the 33‑year‑old defender who was born in Ireland and captained Cape Verde's defense, decided to break his personal tradition of never swapping shirts after a match. After the team's historic 0‑0 draw with European champions Spain in Group H, he tried to exchange shirts with Spanish forward Mikel Oyarzabal, but a teammate reached the Spanish player first. Lopes said he is now pleased to keep his first World Cup shirt as a memento.

Lopes praised Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, whose saves helped preserve the clean sheet despite Spain's greater possession and pressure. The draw leaves Cape Verde with a point and a next Group H fixture against Uruguay.