DistantNews
Support us
🇻🇪 Venezuela /Sports

Veteran Goalkeeper Vozinha Stars in World Cup's Opening Matchday

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Cabo Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha, at 40 years old, became one of the oldest goalkeepers to keep a clean sheet in a World Cup match.
  • He made seven saves against Spain, earning his team their first-ever World Cup point.
  • The article highlights other standout performers from the first matchday of the 2026 World Cup, including defenders Alexander Freeman and Nathaniel Brown, and midfielder Jude Bellingham.

The 2026 World Cup has kicked off with a flurry of goals and record-breaking performances, captivating fans after a four-year wait. Out of 24 matches played on the first jornada, only one ended goalless, with most games witnessing multiple goals and players breaking long-standing records.

Cabo Verde's veteran goalkeeper, Josimar José Éora Dias, known as Vozinha, made history in his team's debut match. At 40 years and 15 days old, he became the seventh oldest player in the tournament and, more remarkably, one of the oldest goalkeepers to achieve a clean sheet in a World Cup game. Vozinha's seven saves against a formidable Spanish side were crucial in securing Cabo Verde's first-ever World Cup point. His performance drew comparisons to legends like Peter Shilton and Dino Zoff, who also achieved shutouts at advanced ages.

Defensively, the ideal team of the first matchday features emerging talents alongside seasoned players. Full-backs Alexander Freeman (21) of the United States and Nathaniel Brown (23) of Germany impressed with their defensive contributions and offensive support. Freeman, according to Gradient Sports, led in duels won and recoveries, while Brown contributed an assist and a goal.

In central defense, Alessandro Circati of Australia stood out with six clearances and four blocked shots against Turkey, helping his team maintain a clean sheet. His compatriot, Diney Borges, also featured, accumulating 18 defensive actions, including five successful ground duels and three blocks against Spain. The midfield is anchored by England's Jude Bellingham, who demonstrated his all-around impact by preventing a goal and scoring one himself against Croatia. Alongside him is the promising 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi, representing a blend of experience and youthful dynamism in the tournament's early stages.

Vozinha (40 years, 12 days) became the third oldest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet in a FIFA World Cup match, after Peter Shilton (40 years, 281 days) and Dino Zoff (40 years, 130 days). Giant. #SpainCapeVerde

— OptaPaoloThe statistics provider highlighted Vozinha's historic clean sheet on Twitter.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog