40-year-old Vozinha shuts out Spain in World Cup shock

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar Dias, known as Vozinha, delivered a performance for the ages as World Cup debutants Cape Verde held European champions Spain to a shock 0–0 draw in their Group H opener yesterday.

The 40-year-old produced seven saves, repeatedly frustrating Spain’s star-studded attack as Luis de la Fuente’s side failed to turn dominance into goals despite 27 shots and an expected goals tally of 2.29. Even the introduction of Lamine Yamal after the hour mark could not unlock Cape Verde’s disciplined defensive block.

Vozinha’s first intervention came in the 15th minute when he comfortably saved Pedri’s low effort, but his defining spell arrived late in the first half. Rodri’s clipped pass in behind was headed across goal by Marc Cucurella, allowing Ferran Torres to smash a close-range effort against the crossbar. Mikel Oyarzabal’s follow-up header looked destined for the net until Vozinha acrobatically tipped it over.

Moments later, Torres was denied again by a sharp reaction save, before Aymeric Laporte saw a set-piece header kept out on the stroke of half-time. La Roja went into the break frustrated, dominant in possession yet unable to find a breakthrough.

After the restart, the Spaniards continued to probe against Cape Verde’s compact defensive structure. De la Fuente introduced Yamal and Mikel Merino in the 71st minute, with Merino immediately forcing another save as Spain raised the tempo and urgency.

The African side remained resilient throughout, with Pico Lopes producing a crucial block to deny Oyarzabal late on. They also carved out a rare chance of their own, as Diney Borges’ header was saved by Unai Simón.

Spain’s frustration grew as passing sequences went unrewarded, extending a run of 2,500 passes since their last World Cup goal in 2022. Oyarzabal, usually reliable in front of goal, was kept unusually quiet in the final third.

At full time, Cape Verde celebrated a historic point on their World Cup debut, with Vozinha becoming the oldest player to appear in a nation’s first World Cup match at 40 years and 12 days. He now becomes one of the few goalkeepers aged 40+ since 1966 to register seven saves in a World Cup match.

Spain will face Saudi Arabia on June 21 at 7pm at Atlanta Stadium, while Cape Verde meet Uruguay the following day at 1am at Miami Stadium. Both times in Bahrain.