Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has etched his name into FIFA World Cup history after becoming only the third goalkeeper aged 40 or above to register multiple clean sheets at the tournament.
The 40-year-old achieved the milestone after helping Cape Verde hold Saudi Arabia to a 0-0 draw, securing the Blue Sharks’ historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32.
Cape Verde finished second in Group H, behind Spain, to reach the knockout stage in their debut World Cup campaign.
Vozinha Enters Elite Company
With his second clean sheet of the tournament, Vozinha joined an exclusive list of legendary goalkeepers.
Goalkeepers With Multiple World Cup Clean Sheets After Turning 40
| Goalkeeper | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|
| Peter Shilton (England) | 3 |
| Dino Zoff (Italy) | 2 |
| Vozinha (Cape Verde) | 2 |
According to Opta statistics, only England legend Peter Shilton and Italy’s World Cup-winning captain Dino Zoff had previously achieved the feat.
Cape Verde Continue Fairytale Run
Cape Verde continued their remarkable World Cup journey by becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup.
The island nation also became the first team since Chile in 1998 to progress from the group stage after drawing all three group matches.
Cape Verde’s Group H Results
- Spain 0-0 Cape Verde
- Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde
- Saudi Arabia 0-0 Cape Verde
The unbeaten run was enough to secure second place behind Spain.
Deroy Duarte Named Player Of The Match
Midfielder Deroy Duarte produced another influential display and was named Player of the Match following the draw against Saudi Arabia.
Cape Verde created the better chances throughout the contest despite the goalless scoreline.
Key Chances
- Jamiro Monteiro forced an early save from Mohammed Al-Owais.
- Monteiro threatened again early in the second half after excellent work from Wagner Pina.
- Kevin Pina narrowly missed with a curling long-range effort.
- Laros Duarte was denied by Al-Owais after a rapid counterattack.
- Nuno da Costa missed a late opportunity from Garry Rodrigues’ cross.
Although they failed to score, Cape Verde’s disciplined defensive display ensured another clean sheet and a famous qualification.
Smallest Nation To Reach World Cup Knockouts
With a population of just over 500,000, Cape Verde have become one of the tournament’s biggest success stories.
The Blue Sharks entered the competition ranked outside football’s traditional powers but remained unbeaten throughout the group stage.
Argentina Await In Round Of 32
Coach Bubista will now prepare his side for the biggest match in Cape Verde’s football history.
The Blue Sharks will face defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32 in Miami on July 3, setting up a blockbuster clash against Lionel Messi and the reigning world champions.