Josh NobleJun 21, 2026 – 8.00pmNew York | Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is an unlikely World Cup star. The 40-year-old, currently without a club, has spent two decades flitting around the lower reaches of professional football, including teams in Slovakia, Moldova and Angola.But since his heroics earned him player of the match in Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw against Spain, the bookmakers’ favourites to lift the World Cup next month, he has become a global sensation. His Instagram account shot from roughly 50,000 followers before the game to more than 14 million.Financial TimesSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles
Minnows steal the show at the World Cup
Small nations’ performances have snatched a large chunk of the limelight away from the bigger teams in the opening week while adding a heavy dose of human drama.
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