Jorge Valdano, the Argentine striker who helped clinch the 1986 World Cup title alongside Diego Maradona, has issued a pointed warning ahead of Argentina’s encounter with Cabo Verde. The island nation of roughly 500,000 people, he says, “deserves respect.”
Cabo Verde have already produced one of the tournament’s most remarkable results, holding reigning European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw in their World Cup debut on June 15, 2026.
A 40-year-old goalkeeper and a naming coincidence
The hero of that Spain shutout was goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, better known as Vozinha. At 40 years old, he delivered a performance that earned him Man of the Match honors, turning aside everything Spain’s attack could produce.
Vozinha’s father reportedly attempted to name his son “Jorge Valdano” after the Argentine legend. Cabo Verde naming regulations prevented it.
