THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Vozinha, in tears after Cape Verde's historic result, reveals US visa ... Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was at his best in theFIFA World Cup 2026Group G match against Spain on Monday. The 40-year-old, who became the second-oldest goalkeeper to make his World Cup debut, pulled off a sensational seven saves to keep the 2010 champions at bay. After Cape Verde walked away with a sensational goalless draw, the senior statesman broke down and was in tears. At that time, it seemed that Vozinha was overwhelmed by the enormity of the feat his team had achieved. However, speaking after the game, Vozinha revealed that the US visa issues prevented his mother from watching him in person. He also stated that other family members weren't able to travel to the United States for the tournament. Vozinha said that he broke down because he wanted his family to experience the greatest moment of his life, but it wasn't meant to be. Also Read:From 50K to 4.4 million: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s popularity soars after FIFA World Cup heroics against Spain “I cried after the game because I grew up with my grandparents when I was a kid, and they could not be there. My mum couldn't be here either due…

Vozinha's Spain Heroics: Cape Verde Goalkeeper's Emotional World Cup ... Viral Cape Verde hero Vozinha: "My mum couldn't be here due to a visa issue" ape Verde hero Vozinha breaks down in tears after historic Spain draw: 'My mum couldn't be here' What a story this is. What an unbelievable story. A nation of just 525,000 people stepped onto the World Cup stage for the very first time and held reigning European champions Spain to a stunning 0-0 draw. The hero of the night was 40 year old goalkeeper Josimar "Vozinha" Dias, whose remarkable display helped Cape Verde earn the first World Cup point in the country's history. While Spain dominated possession and created chances throughout the match in Atlanta, Vozinha stood tall. The veteran goalkeeper produced seven saves and delivered one of the greatest goalkeeping performances seen at this tournament so far. Yet, when the final whistle blew, it was not celebration that first captured attention. Vozinha was in tears. The reason had nothing to do with football. Speaking after the game, the Cape Verde captain revealed that visa issues prevented his mother from travelling to the United States to witness the biggest moment of his ca…

Cape Verde's goalkeeper gains over a million followers ByBOBBY MANZI, FOOTBALL REPORTER Published:14:38 EDT, 15 June 2026|Updated:05:26 EDT, 16 June 2026 42 Viewcomments Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha will unlock his phone to over a million new Instagram followers after guiding the World Cup debutants to a shock draw with favourites Spain. Vozinha made seven saves, with 1.46 xG prevented, as Cape Verde picked up a surprise point against European champions Spain in their Group H opener. The 40-year-old, who plays for Portuguese second tier side Chaves, is the oldest goalkeeper tokeep a clean sheet on his FIFA World Cup debutand unsurprisingly won Player of the Match. Alongside the memento and pride, Vozinha claimed new-found fame from the upset after pundits on Brazilian channel Caze TV urged viewers to boost him to 100,000 Instagram followers at half time. Fans obliged as Vozinha climbed to 220,000 within a minute. By full time, his follower count had hit a staggering 1.8 million. He had just 50,000 followers before kick-off. Vozinha made seven saves, with 1.46 xG prevented, as Cape Verde picked up a surprise point in their Group H opener The 40-year-old, who plays for Po…

'Our dream': Vozinha's rallying cry ahead of Cabo Verde's showdown with Argentina Cabo Verde's veteran goalkeeper Vozinha has issued an emotional plea for national unity ahead of their historic FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Argentina. The smallest nation to ever reach the knockout stages, the Blue Sharks, are preparing to face the defending champions. Vozinha emphasised that "tomorrow we are one. One people, one flag, one heart beating for Cape Verde," inspiring his nation to dream big.

Cape Verde's World Cup success isn't just for them - ESPN HOUSTON -- It's a wonder of soccer that a 0-0 draw between teams ranked 59th and 64th in the FIFA world rankings could set off celebrations not only inside NRG Stadium (and a big drum party in a strip mall across the street) but also in Massachusetts,Rotterdamand a small island nation off the coast of West Africa. The celebrations were forCape Verde, which became the smallest nation to ever qualify for theFIFA World Cupknockout rounds Friday night. Their 0-0 draw withSaudi Arabiaclinched second place in Group H, ahead ofUruguayand Saudi Arabia; what started as a fun story with their 0-0 draw againstSpain-- a result that made 40-year-old goalkeeperVozinhaanovernight sensation-- will continue with an elimination match againstLionel MessiandArgentina. "I don't think any of us dreamed of this," Vozinha said after Friday's match. "But we know we have a lot of quality. Qualifying for the next round today is extremely rewarding for us. It's a dream for any player to play against Argentina and against Messi." After their match ended, Cape Verde's players huddled around a phone to make sure Spain saw off their 1-0 win over Urugua…

Cape Verde Has Become World Cup Darlings Without Winning A Game - Forbes Business SportsMoney Cape Verde Has Become World Cup Darlings Without Winning A Game By Michael Lewis , Contributor. Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. U.S. men's national team and soccer Follow Author Jun 21, 2026, 11:07pm EDT Jun 21, 2026, 11:32pm EDT --:-- / --:-- This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . Summary Cape Verde, a nation of 550,000, has emerged as the World Cup's darlings, defying expectations without winning a game. The Blue Sharks, ranked 67th, drew 0-0 against European champion Spain and then battled two-time World Cup winner Uruguay to a thrilling 2-2 tie, with Kevin Pina scoring their first-ever World Cup goal and Helio Varela equalizing. Goalkeeper Vozinha became an instant sensation for his heroic saves against Spain, despite personal struggles with his mother's visa, which was later resolved by the U.S. State Department. Their resilience showcases that small nations can compete at the highest level, keeping them in contention for the Round of 32. Show More MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUN…

The extraordinary story behind Cape Verde's Vozinha - CAF Online From World Cup inspiration to World Cup hero: The extraordinary story behind Cape Verde's Vozinha Published: Tuesday, 16 June 2026 Cape Verde's historic FIFA World Cup debut against Spain produced many memorable moments, but perhaps none captured the imagination quite like the performance of veteran goalkeeper Vozinha. The 40-year-old goalkeeper emerged as the hero of Cape Verde's remarkable goalless draw against the European champions, producing a series of outstanding saves to help the Blue Sharks secure one of the most celebrated results in African football history. Yet behind the player known across Africa as Vozinha lies a remarkable story that stretches back to the 1986 FIFA World Cup and connects two footballing giants — Argentina and Brazil. While millions of football fans celebrated his heroics in Atlanta, few knew that the goalkeeper was almost named after one of Argentina's World Cup-winning legends. Born Josimar Dias, the Cape Verde international revealed after the match that his name carries a unique football history. "In the football world, I'm known as Vozinha. But I want to give a shout-out to Jorge V…

Cape Verde's star goalkeeper Vozinha gets a family boost ... - WSLS Cape Verde’s star goalkeeper Vozinha gets a family boost before Uruguay clash Felipe Rocha And Zach Pascuzzi Associated Press Published: June 19, 2026 at 2:35 PM Full Screen 1 / 3 Previous photo Next photo Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (1) 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, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) Cape Verde fans celebrate after the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser) Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates as holds the flag of his country during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (1) 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, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) TAMPA, Fla. – Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha will have his family close by when his team takes …

The goalkeeper from Cape Verde disables Spain and conquers Instagram ... Follow us 3 minutes 4 minutes 2 minutes 1 minute 1 minute Football has a unique ability to create unexpected heroes. The latest example comes fromCape Verdeand has a proper name:Vozinha. The veteranCape Verde goalkeeperhas gone from having around 50,000 followers on Instagram to exceeding 5.5 million just a few hours after hisperformance against Spain in the 2026 World Cup. The goalkeeper's explosion in popularity coincides with the most important match of his career. At 40 years old, Vozinha was the great protagonist of Cape Verde's historic goalless draw against the Spanish team in the African team's World Cup debut. His reaction upon discovering the growth of his social media account, shared in videos that have gone viral in recent hours, reflects the global impact of his performance. Spain, one of the favorites for the title, monopolized possession and created chances throughout the match, but time and again they were met by the interventions of the Cape Verdean goalkeeper. Vozinha made several decisive saves against attempts by Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, and Aymeric Laporte, and was chosen …

40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha makes spectacular World ... Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, left, reacts after the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser) Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates as holds the flag of his country after the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (1) makes a save during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha reacts during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (1) and Deroy Duarte (14) celebrate a tie during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) ATLANTA (AP) — It took Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha all of his 40 years on Earth to make his World Cup debut. The long, long wait was worth every fleeting second. Vozinha recorded seven saves Mo…

Who is Vozinha? Meet the 40-year-old goalkeeper who frustrated Follow us on Google Discover Spain began their World Cup campaign with a result few expected. Their 0-0 draw against Cape Verde on Monday came with context, as Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams were not starters for most of the game, but that should not shrink the scale of Cape Verde’s achievement. This was their first World Cup match ever, and Vozinha made sure it became even more historic. The 40-year-old goalkeeper was central to a night Spain could not break through. Who is Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha? Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images Vozinha’s full name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, and he is already one of Cape Verde’s biggest football idols. He turned 40 shortly before the tournament, making him one of the oldest players at the World Cup, and the Spain game was his 90th appearance for the national team. His nickname means “little grandma” in Portuguese, but it is not about his own age. Vozinha has explained that it came from being raised by his grandparents on the island of Sao Vicente, after growing up away from his parents. He is currently without a club after leaving Portuguese side Chaves before the World Cup,…

Meet Cabo Verde, World Cup darlings: Recruiting on LinkedIn, a 40-year ... Cabo Verde at the 2026 World Cup is one of those stories that restores faith in the sport and perhaps in something deeper. It's a story about soccer, yes, but also about the impossible dreams that can become a reality -- something that in sports, and in particular at the World Cup, is even more meaningful. However, Cabo Verde are not just the second-smallest nation by population to ever qualify for the World Cup with just under 500,000 residents, or the smallest country by land area to ever qualify for the World Cup -- it's a sporting project that actually worked out and started off years ago. For sure, the first-ever World Cup with 48 teams helped them to be where they are right now, but it's no coincidence at all. In fact, they managed to qualify despite being in the same group as Libya, Angola and most notably Cameroon , one of the historical African national teams at the World Cup. The question is: how did a nation of just nine inhabited islands, perched 385 miles off Africa's west coast, make it to the World Cup and then mark its debut by shocking holding European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw ? There …

Vozinha's mom speaks out as Cape Verde heads back to World Cup field Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, left, and Laros Duarte react at the end of the World Cup Group H soccer match between Uruguay and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Fla., Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha eyes the ball during the World Cup Group H soccer match against Uruguay in Miami Gardens, Fla., Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (1) kicks the ball clear of Uruguay’s Darwin Nunez (9) during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Uruguay and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Fla., Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) Uruguay’s Maxi Araujo (20) attempts a shot on goal as Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (1) reaches out for the ball during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Uruguay and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Fla., Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (1) catches the ball during the World Cup Group H soccer match against Uruguay in Miami Gardens, Fla., Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — On Father’s Day,Vozinha’smother watche…

Cape Verde hero Vozinha's mother could not afford visa fees for World ... The evening did not end for Vozinha,the Cape Verdean hero against Spain. The flag draped around his body, the goalkeeper sprinted in joyous aimlessness around the Atlanta Stadium. When finally, the broadcasters managed to drag him for a chat, his eyes were welling with tears, blending with the sweat dripping over his forehead. He was happy that his seven saves, each rolling into history books, etched his country’s greatest night in football. But he was unhappy that his mother was not with him. The tickets were booked, the bags were packed, but she was denied the visa. ALSO READ |How World Cup debutants Cape Verde frustrated Spain for 90 minutes “She didn’t manage to be here because of the visa. Because of the money you have to pay for the visa, we didn’t manage on time. I would like her to be here,” he sighed, clutching the player of the match memento as though it were a slice of his soul. Emotion took over. “I cried after the game because I grew up with my grandparents when I was a kid, and they could not be there. They passed away a few years ago,” he told reporters. He was attached to his grandmother …

40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha turns in a spectacular performance in his World Cup debut <p>ATLANTA &#8212; It took Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha all of his 40 years on Earth to make his World Cup debut.</p>

Who is Vozinha? The 40-year-old Cape Verde hero who ... - MARCA World Cup Who is Vozinha? The 40-year-old Cape Verde hero who ruined Spain’s World Cup debut The Cape Verde goalkeeper became one of the unexpected heroes of the 2026 World Cup. Vozinha - Cape Verde JOSÉ RODRÍGUEZ Updated 15/06/2026 - 15:53 CDT Compartir en Facebook Compartir en Twitter Compartir en Telegram Compartir en Whatsapp Compartir por Mail World Cup. Luka Modrić is still giving no clues about his future and is focusing on the match against England World Cup. Kaká predictions how far Brazil will go in the World Cup after the draw against Morocco The historic adventure of Cape Verde in the 2 026 FIFA World Cup began in unforgettable fashion. The 'Blue Sharks' shocked the world by securing a scoreless draw against Spain, one of the title favorites, delivering one of the most unexpected results of the tournament so far. However, the feat cannot be understood without the figure of Josimar José Évora Dias , the experienced 40-year-old goalkeeper who became the ultimate hero of the match. While to many fans he is simply Cape Verde's goalkeeper, his jersey features a name that commands immediate attention: "V…

Cape Verde's Vozinha becomes Instagram sensation thanks to his ... Vozinha gasped and laughed in shock when shown the number of new Instagram followers he had gained after helping tiny Cape Verde hold off powerhouse Spain in his team’s World Cup debut GUADALAJARA, Mexico --When shown the number of Instagram followers he had gained after helping tiny Cape Verde hold off powerhouse Spain in his team's World Cup debut,40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinhagasped and laughed, in shock. He was speaking shortly after Monday'sstunning 0-0 drawagainst the European champions, when he had gone from about 50,000 followers to more than 1 million. Less than 24 hours after the game, Vozinha already had nearly 10 millionInstagram followers— more than NBA superstar Victor Wembanyama (6.2 million) and NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes (6.4 million). “Crazy, that's crazy,” Vozinha told Brazilian YouTube channel CazéTV after the match that turned him into the biggest new name of the World Cup so far. It was CazéTV, the only channel in Brazil with therights to all 104 World Cup games,that was taking credit for the huge surge in followers. CazéTV is anchored by the popular Brazilian streamer Casimiro Miguel…

From 50K to 10M: Vozinha becomes World Cup’s latest viral star When 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha was shown how many Instagram followers he had gained after helping Cape Verde hold off Spain in its World Cup debut, he laughed in disbelief. H...

World Cup: Cape Verde hero and Iran suffer US travel woes After starring in Cape Verde's draw with Spain, goalkeeper Vozinha shared his sadness that an expensive travel bond stopped his mother from attending. On the same day, Iran's coach said his team were being "oppressed."

Who is Cape Verde's goalie? Meet Vozinha, whose journeying club … Billy Heyen © Brett Davies - Imagn Images Vozinha has been Cape Verde's trusted goalkeeper for a long time. Until this month, that has meant he has competed more on the fringes of international soccer. Now, he's on the World Cup stage. And on Monday, he's trying to help his home nation pull off a stunning result against powerhouse Spain. He's not known around the world, but he's working toward that in quick fashion. MORE:What to know about Cape Verde He's known as Vozinha, but his full name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias. That word can mean "little voice" in Portuguese, although it's not clear whether the dialect of Cabo Verde has the same meaning. He's 40 years old and was born in Mindelo in Cape Verde. He has played for his nation since 2012 and had 81 caps entering the World Cup. MORE:Cyle Larin proves all the cliches true for Canada Vozinha plays for Chaves, which plays in the second division in Portugal. He began his club career in Cape Verde with Batuque FC. He then moved across town to play for CS Mindelense. After that, Vozinha moved to Progresso in Angola. He has also played for Zimbru Chisinau i…

Meet Vozinha, the 40-year-old Cape Verde hero who almost quit before ... Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is applauded by fans Monday after a (Getty Images) X Email Reddit SMS By Nick Miller The Athletic Vozinha was already a legend. It’s just that most of the world outside of Cape Verde didn’t know it yet. They do now. No praise would be too high for any of the players who achieved the 2026 World Cup’s most unlikely result so far. But the hero of a scoreless draw against Spain was Josimar Jose Evora Dias, better known as Vozinha, the team’s vice-captain and veteran goalkeeper. He turned 40 a couple of weeks before the start of the tournament, which means he is the second-oldest man to make his debut at a World Cup, and the oldest to appear for a team playing for the first time. He was man of the match, making seven crucial saves, but perhaps just as important was his stability and calmness, the slightly indefinable qualities that make a leader. If the players were panicking at any stage, it felt like it was Vozinha bringing them down again. At full time, he burst into tears. His eyes still looked red and misty when he was enveloped in a huge hug by Stopira, the other grand old man …

'I went up to Messi after the game. He said ... ': Vozinha after WC exit After Cape Verde's dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina national football team, goalkeeper Vozinha revealed that Lionel Messi hugged him and said, "You are great. Your people should be proud of you." The Cape Verde veteran, who made eight saves, called the exchange one of the most memorable moments of his career.

Vozinha, 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper, played for grandparents WORLD CUP Spain Men's National Soccer Team Add Topic How a 40-year-old goalkeeper became a World Cup sensation. And why he wept for Cabo Verde Meghan L. Hall USA TODAY Updated June 15, 2026, 6:09 p.m. ET Hear this story ATLANTA ― He did it for his country. He did it for himself. But mostly, he did it for his mother and grandparents. Vozinha waited a long time for this moment. He worked for decades. He's 40 years old. And he just led his country, Cape Verde, to an improbable and once thought impossible result. Cape Verde , the third smallest country to ever qualify for the World Cup , held favorite Spain to a scoreless draw in front of an announced 67,640 people at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. For Cape Verde, the match meant so much more than its result. It brought global attention to a nation that made its World Cup debut. It also put a spotlight on its goalkeeper, who openly wept when the whistle blew. "I cry because I (grew) up with my grandparents, and unfortunately, they are not here. They died a few years before, and they (were) everything, everything for me," Vozinha told reporters after the match. "And…

‘Everyone is talking about Cape Verde’: World Cup run delights diaspora community in UK <p>Cape Verdeans in Britain feeling ‘incredibly proud’ after team’s hard-fought draws against Spain and Uruguay</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/26/world-cup-2026-norway-france-senegal-iraq-cape-verde-saudi-arabia-uruguay-spain-egypt-iran-new-zealand-belgium-live">World Cup live – latest updates</a></p></li></ul><p>For as long as she can remember, 13-year-old Lauryn struggled to find a map that included Cape Verde. Now, to her great delight, the tiny African island nation is finally centre stage.</p><p>“Seeing our country shown across the world at the World Cup makes me feel incredibly proud,” Lauryn says. “After the first match, everyone was talking about Cape Verde. People saw the talent and the skill of our players.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/26/cape-verde-world-cup-run-delights-diaspora-community-uk">Continue reading...</a>

Euphoric homecoming for Cape Verde after heroic World Cup defeat Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates with his national flag after their 1-1 draw with former champions Spain during the FIFA World Cup at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, recently.Photo: AFP International News , Latest News , World Cup July 5, 2026 Euphoric homecoming for Cape Verde after heroic World Cup defeat PRAIA, Cape Verde (AFP)—Thousands of ecstatic fans greeted Cape Verde’s Blue Sharks Sunday, waving banners at the Praia airport as the team returned after its slim defeat to Argentina in one of the World Cup’s most surprising matches. The Sharks are set for a parade through the streets of the capital before meeting with the president and other members of the government of the small archipelago nation off west Africa. Cape Verde progressed to the knockout stages in their first World Cup, thrilling supporters back home and gaining fans abroad as they confounded expectations. In an epic last-32 contest in Miami, Cape Verde pushed Argentina to the brink but the reigning world champions snatched a 3-2 win in extra time. The team’s arrival back home coincided with Cape Verde’s independence day. “After…

Meet Vozinha, the 40-year-old Cape Verde hero who almost quit before ... FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE 25s ago Vozinha became the second-oldest World Cup debutant, aged 40Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic app. Vozinha was already a legend. It’s just that most of the world outside of Cape Verde didn’t know it yet. They do now. No praise would be too high for any of the players who achieved the 2026 World Cup’s most unlikely result so far. Advertisement But the hero of the 0-0 draw against Spain was Josimar Jose Evora Dias, better known as Vozinha, the team’s vice-captain and veteran goalkeeper. He turned 40 a couple of weeks before the start of the tournament, which means he is the second-oldest man to make his debut at a World Cup, and the oldest to appear for a team playing for the first time. He was man of the match, making seven crucial saves, but perhaps just as important was his stability and calmness, the slightly indefinable qualities that make a leader. If the players were panicking at any stage, it felt like it was Vozinha bringing them down again. At full time, he burst in…

'We didn’t manage the visa money in time': Vozinha breaks down over mum’s absence Cape Verde's veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, was overcome with emotion after a stellar Player of the Match performance against Spain, a 0-0 World Cup draw. Tears flowed not just from the historic result, but for his late grandparents and a mother unable to attend due to visa issues. His seven saves secured a memorable debut for his nation.

Bittersweet moment for Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha as Visa issue ... Bittersweet moment for Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha as Visa issue denies mum chance to witness Spain heroics Vozinha was emotional after making a string of brilliant save to hand Cape Verde a point against Spain at the World Cup Jon Fisher • Last Update: 1 hour ago • 3 min read Add us as a preferred source on Google Vozinha led Cape Verde’s unlikely band of brothers to a brilliant point against Spain this afternoon and then expressed his dismay that those closest to him weren’t present in Atlanta to witness it. The 40-year-old made seven crucial saves to keep the European champions at bay as Cape Verde celebrated their World Cup debut with a goalless draw against Rodri, Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Co. Tears streamed down his face at the final whistle as he and his team-mates secured one of the most unlikely results in the competition’s history for a country that boasts just 600,000 inhabitants. “I cried because I grew up with my grandparents,” said Vozinha after being awarded player of the match . “Unfortunately they were not here. They died a few years before. They were everything for me, everything for my life. …

From 50K to 4.4 million: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha's popularity ... It was a day to remember for Cape Verde's goalkeeper Josimar “Vozinha” Dias on Monday. The 40-year-old inspired his team in Atlanta to help the side walk away with a goalless draw against tournament favourites Spain in theFIFA World Cup2026. The value of the result can be seen in a simple fact: a single player on Spain's bench was worth more than Vozinha and the entire Cape Verde lineup on the transfer market. This fact perfectly describes the gulf between the two teams on paper. However, two hours after the final whistle, it was Cape Verde who made their way out, exuding the main character energy and pushing Spain to a 0-0 draw. This result in Atlanta emerged as one of the greatest-ever underdog stories in World Cup history. Not many knew about Vozinha before the match against Spain. He began the contest with just 50,000 followers on Instagram. The seven saves and the defence of the goal against Spain have now led to the Portuguese second-division player witnessing his followers count rise to more than 4 million. Also Read:Player welfare or tactical masterstroke? How FIFA's hydration breaks are quietly res…

Cape Verde's Vozinha says U.S. visa issues stopped mom witnessing ... FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE 4m ago Vozinha was named player of the match in Cape Verde's stunning World Cup draw with heavyweights Spain.Buda Mendes / Getty Images Cape Verde’s Vozinha said visa issues stopped his mother from witnessing his World Cup heroics in person — though the U.S. State Department says that while it is working to secure her arrival, it “has no record” of the goalkeeper’s mom applying for a visa. Vozinha made seven saves during Cape Verde’s stunning goalless draw with tournament favorites Spain, and was named player of the match. Advertisement The 40-year-old was visibly emotional on the pitch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium after the full-time whistle, embracing his team-mates for several minutes. Cape Verde were playing their first-ever men’s World Cup finals game and pulled off one of the all-time shocks in the history of the tournament to tie with reigning European champions Spain. “This is a message of thank you to everybody in Cape Verde,” Vozinha told reporters includingThe Athleticafter the game. “We are very happy after this, this group of players have worked a lot to live this mome…

Cape Verde's star goalkeeper Vozinha gets a family boost before Uruguay ... Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (1) 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, Monday, June 15, 2026. Credit: AP/Jacob Kupferman By The Associated Press June 19, 2026 2:36 pm Share TAMPA, Florida — Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha will have his family close by when his team takes on Uruguay on Sunday, days after his standout performance against Spain turned him into one of the most talked about players of the World Cup. The 40-year-old was named player of the match in Cape Verde’s goalless draw on Monday, a display that brought him international attention and a surge in popularity on social media. Among the fans cheering him on in the U.S. are his father, Jose Pedro Dias, and brother, Delmiro Évora Nascimento, who also is a soccer player. Vozinha’s mother, who had initially faced difficulties obtaining a visa, is also expected to arrive in the United States ahead of Sunday’s game. Speaking before Thursday’s training session at Cape Verde’s training base in Tampa, Vozinha said having his family nearby was one of the most meaningful as…

World Cup 2026: Who is Vozinha, heroic goalkeeper of Cape Verde? Goalkeeper Vozinha was Cape Verde's hero in Monday's 0-0 draw against Spain, which marked his country's first-ever World Cup match. At age 40, he was playing in his first World Cup match and was named man of the match.

Africa: From World Cup Inspiration to World Cup Hero - the Extraordinary Story Behind Cape Verde's Vozinha [CAF] Cape Verde's historic FIFA World Cup debut against Spain produced many memorable moments, but perhaps none captured the imagination quite like the performance of veteran goalkeeper Vozinha.

Cape Verde's star goalkeeper Vozinha gets a family boost before ... Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates as holds the flag of his country during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, Monday, June 15, 2026. Mike Stewart/AP Photo/Mike Stewart Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (1) 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, Monday, June 15, 2026. Jacob Kupferman/AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman Cape Verde fans celebrate after the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, Monday, June 15, 2026. Erik S. Lesser/AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (1) makes a save during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, Monday, June 15, 2026. (Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) Miguel Martinez/Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal- TAMPA, Florida (AP) — Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha will have his family close by when his team takes on Uruguay on Sunday, days after his standout performance against Spain turned him into one of the most talked about players of the World Cup. The 40-year-old was named…

Meet Vozinha, The Cape Verde Goalkeeper Who Shut Out Spain The name of the Cape Verde goalkeeper who shut out Spain is only one word, and it isn't "Him," although that might be more appropriate following his performance on Monday. Vozinha, whose real name is Josimar José Évora Dias, recorded seven saves inCape Verde's stunning 0-0 draw against Spainin Monday's Group H opener. The 40-year-old had a string of leaping and diving saves late in the first half before making a few big stops late in the second half. As a result, Vozinha won man of the match. So, who is Vozinha, the star who gave Cape Verde a point in its World Cup debut? Here's what to know about the Cape Verdean goalkeeper. While Vozinha isn't his real name, the Cape Verdean goalkeeper said he got the name at a young age thanks to his grandparents. Inan interview with FIFA, Vozinha said that his grandparents opted to call him Vozinha as he was raised by them and not his parents. Vozinha said that his father was serving in the military and his mother had to work. However, the name Vozinha wound up sticking for a different reason. When he moved to Angola to play for Progresso, Vozinha had a decision to make with his na…

Cape Verde's Vozinha goes viral after World Cup heroics v Spain You don’t see stories like this every World Cup. Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha, a name hardly known beyond hardcore football circles, just became an internet sensation by keeping Spain, the mighty Euro champs, off the scoresheet in the biggest match of his life. This wasn’t just a scrappy underdog tale — it was history in the making. Vozinha’s stunning seven-save performance earned Cape Verde a 0-0 draw, and his legend grew with every fingertip stop. What truly sets this apart is the context. Cape Verde came into their first ever World Cup match ranked 67th in the world, against a Spanish side that oozes world-class pedigree. Everyone — except maybe the Cape Verde dressing room — expected Spain to walk it. Instead, after 90 bruising minutes and relentless Spanish attacks, Vozinha stole the show. And fans across the world took notice. Before kickoff, he had around 43,000 Instagram followers. By the final whistle, that had ballooned to 1.6 million. You can see right there how a single match, with the right storyline, can make someone globally famous overnight. According toWorld Soccer Talk, Vozinha didn’t just go vi…

Cape Verde's star goalkeeper Vozinha gets a family boost before ... Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes TAMPA, Florida — Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha will have his family close by when his team takes on Uruguay on Sunday, days after his standout performance against Spain turned him into one of the most talked about players of the World Cup. The 40-year-old was named player of the match in Cape Verde's goalless draw on Monday, a display that brought him international attention and a surge in popularity on social media. Among the fans cheering him on in the U.S. are his father, Jose Pedro Dias, and brother, Delmiro Évora Nascimento, who also is a soccer player. Vozinha's mother , who had initially faced difficulties obtaining a visa, is also expected to arrive in the United States ahead of Sunday's game. Speaking before Thursday's training session at Cape Verde's training base in Tampa, Vozinha said having his family nearby was one of the most meaningful aspects of his World Cup experience. "They always support me in everything I do, so having my mother here is something special. My father is here too, and my brother as well, so I'm very happy," he said. Vozinha's full name is Josimar…

40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper keeps favorite Spain to 0 goals at World Cup Vozinha recorded seven saves Monday, holding Spain's star-studded lineup to a shocking 0-0 draw. The veteran keeper was everywhere as the Spanish team and its fans became increasingly frustrated.