Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has become an unlikely social media sensation after guiding his team to a shock draw with favourites Spain in their World Cup opener. The 40-year-old, who plays for Portuguese second tier side Chaves, made seven saves and prevented 1.46 xG as Cape Verde secured a remarkable point at the expanded 48-team tournament. Vozinha's impressive performance earned him the Player of the Match award and saw his Instagram follower count surge from 50,000 to over 1.8 million.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha will unlock his phone to over a million new Instagram followers after guiding the World Cup debutants to a shock draw with favourites Spain .
Vozinha made seven saves, with 1.46 xG prevented, as Cape Verde picked up a surprise point against European champions Spain in their Group H opener. The 40-year-old, who plays for Portuguese second tier side Chaves, is the oldest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet on his FIFA World Cup debut and unsurprisingly won Player of the Match.
Alongside the memento and pride, Vozinha claimed new-found fame from the upset after pundits on Brazilian channel Caze TV urged viewers to boost him to 100,000 Instagram followers at half time. Fans obliged as Vozinha climbed to 220,000 within a minute. By full time, his follower count had hit a staggering 1.8 million. He had just 50,000 followers before kick-off.
Vozinha made seven saves, with 1.46 xG prevented, as Cape Verde picked up a surprise point in their Group H opener. The 40-year-old, who plays for Portuguese second tier side Chaves, is the oldest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet on his FIFA World Cup debut and unsurprisingly won Player of the Match. Vozinha celebrates with Cape Verde flag after remarkable point against European champions Spain.
The shot-stopper was in tears come the final whistle, as his teammates embraced him in celebration. The African nation made up of 10 small islands with a population of around 500,000 -- comparable to the occupancy of Sheffield - were resolute against Spain as they secured a remarkable point at the expanded 48-team tournament.
Speaking at half time on ITV after Vozinha made two stunning saves to keep Spain at bay, World Cup winner Juan Mata said: The goalkeeper is gaining confidence; you can see with this nice save. Hopefully it's not one of those days when he saves everything. It turned out to be one of those days.
Cape Verde play Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in the final two group games, where a win in either game would almost certainly see them book an unexpected spot in the Round of 32
Please follow us on Google to support us Cape Verde Vozinha World Cup Spain Football Social Media Instagram Player Of The Match
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
World Cup 2026: Spain Faces Cape Verde, Belgium Meets Egypt on Opening DayA look at Monday's four matches as the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with Spain taking on debutants Cape Verde, Belgium facing Egypt, Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia, and Iran vs New Zealand.
Read more »
Cape Verde vs. Spain World Cup prediction: Odds, picks, best bet for Monday’s matchSpain is the favorite to win the World Cup. Cape Verde is the biggest long shot.
Read more »
Cape Verde's Vozinha Becomes Social Media Sensation After Heroics Against SpainA 40-year-old goalkeeper from a small island nation becomes an internet star following an outstanding performance that helped his team secure a surprising draw against European champions Spain in their World Cup opener.
Read more »
Cape Verde goalie Vozinha's social media following explodes after Spain drawThe 40-year-old goalie broke out with an admirable performance against an international powerhouse.
Read more »