Vozinha From Mexico to a Historic Night

Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha delivers a historic draw against Spain, with a remarkable backstory tied to Mexico 1986.

Intermediate

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Cape Verde’s first FIFA World Cup match against Spain ended in a goalless draw, and Vozinha became the hero. At 40, the veteran goalkeeper made a series of outstanding saves and kept the European champions scoreless. Fans celebrated the result across Africa, but many did not know the story behind his name. It began long before this tournament, and it reaches back to Mexico 1986.