Star of the game, goalkeeper Vozinha leaves the field crying after holding Spain
Cape Verde wrote one of the most memorable chapters of the first round of the 2026 World Cup. In its debut in the history of the tournament, the African team drew a goalless draw with Spain this Monday (15), in a match valid for Group H. The person largely responsible for the result was goalkeeper Vozinha, aged 40, who gave a memorable performance, left the field emotional after the final whistle and took the prize for star of the game.
Facing one of the teams considered a candidate for the title, Cape Verde resisted Spanish pressure during the 90 minutes and had an inspired performance from their experienced number 1. There were at least five great saves, as well as safe interventions in crosses and aerial balls that prevented any reaction from the team led by Luis de la Fuente.
Spain encountered difficulties from the start. Without starters Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, preserved on the bench, the team had possession of the ball, but showed little speed and creativity. The first, most dangerous chance came only in the 28th minute, when Marc Cucurella shot over the goal.
As the game progressed, however, Vozinha began to build her historic night. Still in the first half, the goalkeeper saved Cape Verde with shots from Pedri, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres and Aymeric Laporte, becoming the main obstacle for the Spanish.
In the final stage, the scenario changed little. Spain continued to control possession, but found it difficult to break through the African defense. Not even the entrances of Yamal, Merino and, later, Nico Williams managed to change the story of the match. Whenever the ball reached the goal, Vozinha was there to stop what seemed inevitable.
While Spain accumulated frustration, Cape Verde gained confidence. The African team was still in danger from a corner kick in the final minutes, but the score remained unchanged until the final whistle.
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Goalkeeper Vozinha, from Cape Verde, in action against Spain in the World Cup - FIFA via Getty Images
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Goalkeeper Vozinha, from Cape Verde, in action against Spain in the World Cup - FIFA via Getty Images
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Goalkeeper Vozinha, from Cape Verde, in action against Spain in the World Cup - Anadolu via Getty Images
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Goalkeeper Vozinha, from Cape Verde, in action against Spain in the World Cup - FIFA via Getty Images
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Goalkeeper Vozinha, from Cape Verde, in action against Spain in the World Cup - FIFA via Getty Images
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The story behind the nickname
The Cape Verdean hero has a trajectory as curious as his performance. Born as Josimar José Évora Dias, he became known in football by the nickname "Vozinha", printed on his shirt.
According to the goalkeeper himself, the name came from his childhood, when he was raised by his grandparents on the island of São Vicente. As he used to come home complaining after games played on the street, his friends joked that he would tell his grandparents everything. The nickname ended up sticking and stayed with him throughout his career.
Later, when playing in Angola, he had to abandon the name Josimar to avoid confusion with another goalkeeper of the same name. The solution was to definitively adopt his childhood nickname.
Interestingly, his first name also has a connection with Brazilian football. The goalkeeper's father chose "Josimar" in honor of the former Brazilian national team defender in the 1986 World Cup.
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Source: CNN