Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha waves a flag for fans after a 0-0 draw during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, US, on Jun 15, 2026. (Photo: AP/Jacob Kupferman)
16 Jun 2026 09:33AM
ATLANTA, United States: Spain failed to find a way past inspired Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha as the 40-year-old secured a stunning 0-0 draw for the World Cup debutants and was reduced to tears at his heroics.La Roja rolled into Atlanta as one of the pre-tournament favourites, with coach Luis de la Fuente boasting that he has the best squad in the competition.Yet a Spain side featuring a Ballon d'Or winner in Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, fresh from a second consecutive Champions League victory with Paris Saint-Germain, and packed with many of the squad that won Euro 2024, could not breach Cape Verde's dogged defence.Even the introduction of Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal on his return from injury in the second half did not break the deadlock as Vozinha marshalled his backline to a clean sheet they will never forget.
"Very proud. For me, it is an honour for me to represent my country," Vozinha told reporters."We are from a small country. Our qualification was very difficult in a group with Cameroon and Libya, but we knew if we followed the plan of the coach, we had a great chance to qualify."The dream came true. We competed against Spain, one of the best teams in the world. We are very happy and proud of all the players and people of Cape Verde."
