The FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Spain and Cabo Verde ended in a 0-0 draw at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia.
During the match, the player who stood out the most was Cabo Verde`s goalkeeper, Josimar Dias, known as Vozinha. One of the main reasons Cabo Verde managed to draw the game against the star-studded Spain`s lineup was Vozinaha`s presence, as he registered seven saves in the jam-packed stadium.
The veteran keeper was everywhere as the Spanish team and its fans became increasingly frustrated, despite dominating possession and unleashing 27 shots.
Later in the match, Spain`s rising star Lamine Yamal took the field, but couldn`t do much against steady Vozinha. As soon as the final whistle blew, the goalkeeper hunched over and was seen in tears before his teammates embraced him.
The 40-year-old veteran goalkeeper said that he was overcome by emotions as his loved ones were unable to see him performing at his best. His grandparents, who had raised him, died a few years ago, and his mother was unable to gather the money in time to secure a visa to the US, he revealed.
Cabo Verde is among 50 countries whose citizens face bonds of up to $15,000 to secure a U.S. visa, part of President Donald Trump`s broader crackdown on travellers from countries that officials said had high rates of visa overstays. The Trump administration last month suspended the requirement for ticket-holders from Cabo Verde and four other World Cup nations, but critics said it was too late for many fans.
Vozinha said that he continued playing the sport because of his dream.
“I work all my life for this, for this moment, for this dream. A lot of generations in the past (dreamed of) this day but they did not achieve. And now the dream comes true,” he said.
His saves not only gained him fame on the field, but also on his social media handle. A few hours after the match, Dias` Instagram followers increased from 50,000 people to more than 2.4 million.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Cabo Verde: Upcoming match`s date and venue
Cabo Verde will clash against Uruguay in the upcoming fixture, which is scheduled to be played on June 22 at the Miami Stadium in Florida.
(With AP Inputs)
