Atlanta [US], June 16 (ANI): Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha revealed that his mother was unable to travel to the United States due to visa difficulties as he starred in Cape Verde’s impressive 0-0 draw against Spain at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday.
Tournament debutants Cape Verde produced a remarkable defensive display to hold world No. 2 and reigning European champions Spain to a goalless draw in Atlanta. Despite being the third-smallest nation by population ever to compete at a FIFA World Cup, Cape Verde defended resolutely throughout the match, frustrating Spain repeatedly.
Spain attempted 27 shots without scoring — the joint-most they have ever recorded in a World Cup match without finding the net, matching their 1998 outing against Paraguay, which also ended 0-0.
Vozinha, 40, was the standout performer, making seven saves, including three crucial stops in a six-minute spell in the first half. After the match, he spoke about the personal struggles behind his journey, including his upbringing with his grandparents, who have since passed away, and his mother’s inability to attend due to visa and financial constraints.
“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. My mum could not be here either due to a visa issue and the money we had to pay for it. We did not manage to do this in time,” Vozinha said, according to Goal.com.
He also thanked supporters back home in Cape Verde and dedicated the result to the team’s effort.
“This is a message of thank you to everybody in Cape Verde. We are very happy after this; this group of players have worked a lot to live this moment. It’s a day to be proud and satisfied,” he added.
During the match, Vozinha produced several key saves, including stops from Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Aymeric Laporte, Mikel Merino and Marc Cucurella. Cape Verde defender Pico Lopes also made a crucial late block to deny Spain a winner.
Spain, despite multiple chances including a shot off the post from Torres, were held to a draw and extended their winless World Cup run to four matches. They will next face Saudi Arabia on June 21. (ANI)
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