Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha turned back reigning European champion Spain with a series of remarkable saves Monday, producing one of the most stunning performances of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Blue Sharks held Spain to a 0-0 draw in their historic World Cup debut at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
At 40 years and 12 days old, the veteran goalkeeper became the second-oldest player to make his men’s World Cup debut, capping a journey that nearly ended before Cape Verde’s historic tournament appearance became reality.
GettyCape Verde’s goalkeeper #1 Vozinha turned in a spectacular first-half performance against Spain.
Vozinha Delivers Historic Performance vs. Spain
Spain finished with 74 percent possession, 27 shots, and 20 chances created — and still could not put the ball past Vozinha, who recorded seven saves in all. The Cape Verde keeper commanding the box and his distribution helped the Blue Sharks maintain defensive shape throughout, according to The Athletic.
His most spectacular moment came in the final seconds of the first half. After Ferran Torres rattled the crossbar, Mikel Oyarzabal pounced on the rebound and sent a looping header toward goal. Vozinha lunged and tipped it over the bar, according to ESPN.
Spain introduced Lamine Yamal around the 74th minute, and the teenager immediately created a chance for Mikel Merino — whose shot went straight at Vozinha. In the 84th minute, Marc Cucurella rose unmarked at the back post and directed a header toward goal; Vozinha stopped it. He made another crucial stop in the 90th minute on a free header, sealing the result and completing a performance that left Spain’s coaching staff searching for answers.
“I was thinking of leaving the national team. All my teammates spoke to me; they encouraged me to stay because of the World Cup, and that’s why I stayed. Because it was my dream, all of our dreams,” Vozinha said, as quoted by Footem.
Vozinha’s Road to the Cape Verde World Cup Roster
Born Josimar José Évora Dias on June 3, 1986, in Mindelo, Vozinha grew up with his grandparents after his father entered military service and his mother worked full time. His nickname traces back to those street-football days — when he’d storm home furious after rough matches and be teased for retreating to his grandparents, as he explained to FIFA.com.
“I was one of the best keepers on my island but as a kid I was a bit small. Though I was the best, I didn’t get picked in trials because of my height,” he said, according to FIFA.com. A growth spurt between ages 16 and 17 changed everything. The career that scouts nearly bypassed ended up spanning Angola, Moldova, Portugal, Cyprus and Slovakia before Vozinha signed with GD Chaves in Portugal’s Liga 2 in July 2024, according to NeatSports.
He made his international debut in September 2012 and has since logged 90 caps for the Blue Sharks, second only to captain Ryan Mendes on the all-time list, according to FilmoGaz. He helped Cape Verde reach multiple Africa Cup of Nations editions and was part of the squad that topped its World Cup qualifying group ahead of Cameroon, securing the nation’s first-ever World Cup berth.
Cape Verde — a nation of roughly 550,000 people — earned a point against one of the pre-tournament favorites in their very first World Cup match, a result widely regarded as one of the biggest shocks in the tournament’s history. The 2026 World Cup is reported to be Vozinha’s final chapter in a Blue Sharks jersey, and he could not have written a better opening act.
Meet 40-Year-Old Cape Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha, Spain’s World Cup Nightmare