Who is Vozinha, Cape Verde’s viral goalkeeper at the World Cup?

Vozinha, whose real name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, is the 40-year-old Cape Verdean goalkeeper who gained viral attention following his standout performance against Spain in their World Cup opener. Despite being heavily pressured, Vozinha made numerous crucial saves to deny the European champions a victory, earning him player of the match. He currently plays for Chaves in Portugal's second-tier league, but has had a long career with various clubs internationally. His nickname, Vozinha, meaning "little granny" in Portuguese, originated from his grandparents.

Cape Verde celebrated a historic achievement after holding football powerhouse Spain to a 0-0 draw in a World Cup match. The small island nation, with a population of around half a million, had previously qualified for the World Cup for the first time. Their underdog performance against Spain and Uruguay in Group H drew widespread joy and wild celebrations in the capital, Praia. Visitors and citizens alike praised the team's "heart," "energy," and "speed." The draw has raised hopes among Cape Verdeans that their national team might advance beyond the group stage.

In their World Cup debut on Monday, June 15, 2026, Cape Verde achieved a surprising 0-0 draw against heavily favored Spain in Atlanta. The small island nation, with a population of around half a million, showcased a stubborn defense and an impressive performance from 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who made numerous saves to deny Spain's star-studded lineup. Despite Spain being a significant favorite to win, they were unable to score, with Ferran Torres hitting the crossbar and Vozinha making crucial stops. Cape Verde even had a late chance to win the match, but their header was saved. The result marked the biggest shock of the tournament so far and led to emotional celebrations from the Cape Verde team and their fans.