Cape Verde ties Spain in World Cup with Vozinha as Man of the Match

3 sources2 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 10:27 PM

Last updated Jun 15, 2026

Cape Verde ties Spain in World Cup with Vozinha as Man of the Match
Summary

Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha earned Man of the Match honors during a historic 0-0 tie against Spain at the FIFA World Cup on June 15. This match marked Cape Verde's first appearance in World Cup history, surprising many with their strong defensive performance against the reigning UEFA Euro champions. Vozinha expressed joy over representing his country despite his mother being unable to attend due to a visa issue. He emphasized the significance of the match for his career and his pride in the team's accomplishment. Cape Verde will next face Uruguay on June 21 as they continue their World Cup journey.

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By the Numbers
  • Cape Verde's first World Cup match ends in a 0-0 tie with Spain.
  • Vozinha is named Man of the Match for his performance.
  • His mother could not attend due to a visa issue.
  • Cape Verde's next match is against Uruguay on June 21.
Latest Updates
  • 10:27 PMYahoo SportsCape Verde's breakout goalkeeper: U.S. visa issues to blame for mom missing World Cup match vs. Spain
  • 9:19 PMThe Guardian SportCape Verde hero Vozinha in tears after Spain draw as cost of visa stopped his mother being at game
  • 9:13 PMYahoo SportsCape Verde’s Man of the Match’s mom misses historic Spain tie with ‘visa issue’
What they're saying
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40-year-old man of the match against Euro winners ‘I have worked my whole life for this moment,’ he says Vozinha, the 40-year-old goalkeeper who was named man of the match after making seven saves in his country’s 0-0 draw against Spain, was in tears at full time. The mother of Cape Verde’s World Cup hero was not there to see history made because she could not afford the visa to the United States. He described the game as the moment he had been working towards his “entire life” and said he wished he could have shared the moment with his late grandparents and his mother. Continue reading...

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Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who was named Man of the Match on Monday after his side tied FIFA World Cup favorites Spain, has opened up on what the occasion meant to him and why his mom couldn't be at the game

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Vozinha shined bright in Cape Verde's draw vs. Spain, picking up MOTM honors. His mother wasn't able to see him play in-person, however. Here's why.

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