It is clear that the man of the day, on 15th of June 2026, is Vozinha. And it will forever remain as such, at least for the FIFA World Cup. The 40 years old goalkeeper of Cape Verde Islands kept a clean sheet against ruling European champions, Spain. Of course, Spain are also on of the favorites of winning the World Cup. Without Yamal, Williams, or Olmo in the first eleven, Spain couldn’t beat Cabo Verde. 0-0. A shock in the World Cup 2026, especially since the Africans are at their first World Cup.

Lamine Yamal couldn’t beat Vozinha

All team plaid almost perfect, but Vozinha, the keeper coming from Chaves, in Portugal second league, and who, almost for sure, will retire at the end of the tournament, showed a composure which you usually see at very experienced keepers, from big teams. The blue sharks are not, of course, a team to fear off, but at the same time, they are not one to be neglected. And Lamine Yamal perfectly understood this. I am mentioning his name, because this is, for sure, one of the best football players of our days.

Trinidad & Tobago – Sweden, 20 years ago

But what Vozinha did, at another scale – not that different – reminded me of what happened (almost) 20 years ago, in the opening of the World Cup 2006, in Germany. Back then, another islandic team, Trinidad & Tobago, made its debut at the tournament. They are from the Caribbean, not from Africa, but they did manage also an outstanding 0-0. Against Sweden. You might say that Sweden is not Spain, of course it is not. But at that Swedish team, there were some outstanding players.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, no match for Shaka Hislop

The first name which makes the ranking is, for sure, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Then we had Henrik Larsson and Freddie Ljungberg. At the end of their careers, but Larsson, for example, in that same 2006 was the key for FC Barcelona in winning the Champions League final, against… Arsenal London. 20 years later, Arsenal loses another Champions League final, and Spain – Cabo Verde replicates almost identical Trinidad & Tobago – Sweden. Both 0-0, in a similar style.

Vozinha and Hislop, one main thing in common: belief!

Bringing this into discussion around Vozinha doesn’t have only the purpose to mark the huge achievement of the man, but to remember that, back then, a back up 37 years old keeper from West Ham United, Shaka Hislop, managed to have a similar representation. It was his point, his achievement. Not alone, all from the team had a slice of the cake, but Hislop was the one cutting the cake. Vozinha did the same. It is mandatory the keeper to provide belief to his colleagues. Otherwise…

Final dance for Vozinha?

I am not 100% sure if Vozinha will end his career here, but I don’t see a more glorious end for a sportsmen than a huge representation at a World Cup, because this won’t be forgotten, and will never disappear from the books, especially for those who are passionate about these delicious details. I am wondering how this guy could have played only at a second tier Portuguese league… At some point, though, you only need the destine to align. And for a goalkeeper there is no better spot to make an impression than at a FIFA World Cup. Even if in front of him are Ibrahimovic or Yamal.

Photo source: grupo_desportivo_chaves