Spain’s frustration after being held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde in their Group H match of the 2026 World Cup culminated in tears from the 40-year-old goalkeeper, Josimar Jose Evora Dias, better known as Vozinha.
Vozinha became the centre of attention as Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, managed to hold Spain to a 0-0 draw in the Group H encounter at Atlanta Stadium on Tuesday (June 16) early morning local time.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper, who plays for the Portuguese second division club Chaves, was deservedly named Player of the Match.
Interestingly, Arizqi Romadhoni, Chairman of Juventus Club Indonesia Chapter Banten, had earlier predicted that Spain’s squad looked unconvincing — a prediction that proved accurate as Cape Verde managed to frustrate Lamine Yamal and his teammates.
“This Spain team is not very convincing because it’s filled with many young players. Moreover, there’s no Madrid core,” explained Arizqi Romadhoni in his opinion during the Super Taktik podcast episode titled “Predictions for World Cup 2026 Groups G–L: The Groups of Potential Champions,” recorded at Tribunnews Solo Office, Karanganyar, Central Java.
“On paper, they’re still considered the favourites. But to call them contenders for the title is a stretch; maybe they can reach the Round of 16,” he added.
After the match, all eyes were naturally on Vozinha.
The veteran goalkeeper successfully frustrated the attacking line of the European champions, Spain. Coach Luis de la Fuente even brought on an unfit Lamine Yamal in a desperate attempt to change the game, but to no avail.
Vozinha made a total of seven saves during the match. Two of those saves were crucial in the 39th minute when Spain had back-to-back chances to score, both denied by the Cape Verdean shot-stopper.
It was no surprise that after the match, his heroic performance, which left Spain visibly exasperated, brought Vozinha to tears of joy.
Interestingly, the jersey worn by the Cape Verde goalkeeper, Josimar Jose Evora Dias, displayed his well-known nickname — Vozinha.
The English translation of “Vozinha” is “Voice,” a fitting moniker for the 40-year-old captain of the Cape Verde national team. The nickname dates back to his childhood on the island of São Vicente, Cape Verde.
Also read: Spain vs Cape Verde World Cup 2026 Result: 0-0, Heroic 40-Year-Old Goalkeeper Stops Lamine Yamal and Co.
Vozinha’s outstanding performance earned praise from the global football community, including former Scotland international and ex-Chelsea player, Pat Nevin.
Pat Nevin, who was part of the BBC commentary team for the live broadcast of Spain vs Cape Verde, admitted he was moved to tears by the emotional scenes.
“I’m a bit emotional. This is absolutely fantastic. A brilliant performance,” said the 62-year-old.
“They deserved that point more than anything, and Spain hardly deserved theirs. They leave disappointed, but tonight belongs to Cape Verde.”
“It was an extraordinary performance from every player — the centre-backs, the full-backs, and that man over there (Vozinha) who’s crying; I almost cried myself,” added the Glasgow-born pundit.
Former Arsenal and England defender Lee Dixon also echoed similar sentiments.
“Vozinha made this match even more memorable. He was truly brilliant, doing it all at the age of 40,” he said in praise of the Cape Verde goalkeeper.
“All the cameras are on him, all his teammates are pointing toward him. It’s such a beautiful moment,” Dixon remarked during the BBC live broadcast.
(Tribunnews.com/Giri)
