Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha said it was a dream come true after they played a goalless draw against second-ranked Spain while making their debut at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Vozinha, the 40-year-old, made seven saves and helped his team earn a point against the European giants.

Spain had 62% possession and took eight shots on target but Cape Verde was solid in their defense. Spain is regarded as one of the favourites for the tournament and it was a commendable performance from Cape Verde to keep them at bay.

“I work hard all my life for this, for this moment, for this dream,” he told Fox. “A lot of generations in the past were dreaming of this, they didn’t achieve it, many ex players from our national team … And now the dream has come true.

“All of us are happy because we work a lot to be here, but we deserve to be here. Today [it was] a great game against Spain, they’re one of the best in the world.”

Lamine Yamal, who has just recovered from an injury, was introduced in the 71st minute in place of Gavi, but the African nation was able to keep him quiet.

Speaking to ESPN, Deroy Duarte, who was substituted on for Cape Verde, said: “You could feel from his aura that a serious player was coming onto the field. But honestly, from the very first time he touched the ball, you immediately saw our left-back and left winger closing him down.

“We were really thinking ‘no way, man — Lamine isn’t going to do anything today.’”

Deroy recoganised the magnitude of the draw as he revealed their whole family was emotional after this result.

“We saw our parents crying, we saw family members crying. You’re playing against the best team in the world, after all,” he added.

“And then you manage to hold them to a 0-0 draw. It’s absolutely crazy.”

Cape Verde will take on Uruguay on June 21, before facing Saudi Arabia on June 27.