Crew defender Moreira contributes to World Cup stunner

Crew defender Steven Moreira and the tiny African nation of Cape Verde were just happy to be there — until they managed a shocking draw against one of the World Cup favorites.

Catch up quick: Cape Verde, with a population roughly the size of the Youngstown metro area, qualified for its first World Cup to become one of the lowest-ranked teams in the tournament.

• Its reward? An opening matchup against Spain, one of the best teams in the world and an overwhelming favorite ahead of Monday's match.

Instead of rolling over, the Blue Sharks hunkered down and withstood a barrage of Spanish attacks to manage a 0-0 draw.

• Moreira, the Crew's 2024 MLS Defender of the Year, played the full 90 minutes.

🇨🇻 What's next: Cape Verde plays Uruguay Sunday and Saudi Arabia June 26.

• A win all but guarantees them a stunning trip to the knockout rounds — two draws give them a fighting chance.

🇪🇸 The other side: Spain will be fine.

• The heavyweights lost their opening match in 2010, the last time they won the tournament.

🇺🇸 The U.S. plays Australia at 3pm Friday. Where to watch.