On June 15, 2026, Cape Verde faced Spain in its first-ever World Cup match, ending in a memorable 0-0 draw. Vozinha, Cape Verde’s goalkeeper, became the star of the show.
In the 39th minute, Spain crafted a promising attack down the left wing. Ferran Torres had a clear shot with Vozinha as the last line of defense. Torres aimed for the goal but hit the crossbar. The ball rebounded into play, leading to a mad scramble. Mikel Oyarzabal attempted to head the ball into the net, but Vozinha was swift. He leapt again, deflecting the ball out of play. Despite the offside call that stopped the play, Vozinha’s skill was evident.
Vozinha’s efforts were critical in Cape Verde’s tie against Spain, ranked third in FIFA world rankings. The Cape Verde goalkeeper made seven official saves, securing a hard-earned point for his nation.
Spain boasted a strong roster, with players like Lamine Yamal. Yet, Yamal started on the bench due to recovery from injury. Even with his later entry, Spain struggled to penetrate Cape Verde’s defense.
Vozinha’s journey is noteworthy. Born Josimar José Évora Dias in Cape Verde, he was raised by his grandparents, earning the nickname ‘Vozinha,’ meaning ‘voice.’ His career led him to clubs in Angola, Moldova, Cyprus, Slovakia, and Portugal, far from the likes of Real Madrid or AC Milan.
His performance against Spain was remarkable, particularly when deflecting a potential goal off a corner kick. Despite his age of 40, his agility was undeniable.
Statistically, Spain dominated with 27 shots compared to Cape Verde’s 6, and 74% ball possession. Yet, Cape Verde’s defense held firm under constant pressure. Even with Yamal’s second-half appearance, Spain remained scoreless.
Cape Verde’s historic draw led to celebrations outside the stadium. Fans waved flags and displayed scarves reading ‘Cabo Verde.’ The nation made its mark on the world stage.
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