A daring punter has pocketed a staggering £3.2 million after backing Cape Verde to pull off a major World Cup upset against Spain. The tiny island nation, ranked 64th in the world, held the European champions to a goalless draw in their Group H opener.
Massive Bet Pays Off
The unidentified gambler placed a $427,952 (£320,000) wager on Cape Verde to avoid defeat at odds of roughly 10-1. Following the match, Polymarket confirmed the bettor cashed out $4,702,769.23 (£3.5 million), netting a profit of over £3.2 million.
Historic Result
Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, defied expectations against a Spain side that dominated possession with 74% and fired 27 shots, seven on target. Despite an expected goals (xG) of 2.29, Spain failed to break through. Cape Verde managed six shots, one on target, with an xG of 0.29.
Goalkeeper Heroics
Vozinha, Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper, was the star of the show, making seven saves to secure a clean sheet. The Chaves keeper's Instagram following skyrocketed from 50,000 to 5.8 million after the match. An emotional Vozinha said: "I cried after the game because I grew up with my grandparents, and they could not be there. They passed away a few years ago. My mum could not be here either due to a visa issue."
Group H Implications
The result leaves Cape Verde in contention to advance to the knockout stages, potentially as one of the best third-placed teams. In the same group, Saudi Arabia also held Uruguay to a 1-1 draw, shaking up the standings.
