Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates with his national flag at the end of their 2026 Fifa World Cup match against Spain.
Spain failed to find a way past an inspired Vozinha on Tuesday, as the 40-year-old goalkeeper secured a stunning 0-0 draw for World Cup debutants Cape Verde before being reduced to tears by his own heroics.
La Roja rolled into Georgia as one of the definitive pre-tournament favourites, with head coach Luis de la Fuente boldly boasting on the eve of the match that he commands the finest squad in the competition.
Yet, a Spanish side featuring Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, a Fabián Ruiz fresh from a second consecutive UEFA Champions League triumph with Paris Saint-Germain, and packed with the continental heavyweights who conquered Euro 2024 simply could not breach Cape Verde's dogged, deeply resolute defence.
Even the second-half introduction of Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal, making his highly anticipated return from injury, failed to break the deadlock as Vozinha masterfully marshalled his backline to a clean sheet that will live forever in African football folklore.
