In their first-ever World Cup appearance, Cape Verde held Spain to a 0-0 draw in a group stage match on Monday.
Spain recorded 27 shots and maintained the majority of possession throughout the match. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (Josimar Jose Evora Dias) made seven saves, including a penalty stop against Spanish forwards Ferran Torres, Pedri, and Aymeric Laporte. Vozinha was named player of the match.
Player Details
Vozinha, age 40, currently plays for Chaves in Portugal's second division. His professional career began at age 25 with Angolan club Progresso. He has also played for clubs in Cape Verde, Angola, Moldova, Portugal, Cyprus, and Slovakia. He joined the Cape Verde national team in 2012.
Player Statement
"I was proud to represent my country."
Following the match, Vozinha stated he was proud to represent his country. He reported that he cried because his grandparents, who raised him, had died prior to the match, and his mother could not attend due to visa issues.
Visa Policy Context
Cape Verde is among 50 countries whose citizens are subject to higher visa bonds—up to $15,000—under a U.S. policy targeting nations with high visa overstay rates. The Trump administration temporarily suspended this requirement for ticket-holders from Cape Verde and four other World Cup nations in the month prior to the match. Critics stated the measure came too late for many fans.
Social Media Activity
Following the match, Vozinha's Instagram followers increased from approximately 500,000 to nearly 5 million. French footballer Paul Pogba commented on social media, stating:
"The Cape Verde goalkeeper is really something, waaaaw."