At Atlanta Stadium, Cape Verde’s 40‑year‑old keeper Vozinha kept Spain scoreless in a 0‑0 draw that stunned the World Cup. The match, Cape Verde’s debut, saw the goalkeeper make seven critical saves, a feat rare for a player of his age. Fans erupted, hugging and dancing as the nation celebrated a historic point for the island nation worldwide applause.

Vozinha, born Josimar Dias, began his professional career at 25 and spent years across Europe before returning to Portugal’s Chaves. His performance earned him player‑of‑the‑match honors and made him the oldest debutant in a World Cup opening game, surpassing Curacao’s Eloy Room. The result gives Cape Verde a valuable point against a European champion for the tournament and the squad.

The draw ignites Cape Verde’s World Cup campaign, proving the team can compete with top sides. Fans, unable to see their grandparents, celebrated the milestone in the stands, while social media followed Vozinha’s rise from 50,000 to 1.5 million followers. This moment underscores the nation’s resilience and marks a turning point for football in the island republic for the football community.