Vozinha (The untold story)
Josimar Jose Évora Dias, Cape Verde’s goalkeeper, popularly known as Vozinha, has been the man on every football fans lips, after his heroic goalkeeping against Spain.
He was born in Mindelo, and was named after a Brazilian defender. Unlike other goalkeepers, Vozinha started his football career late, at the age of 25.
He was Cape Verde’s goalkeeper in the 2014 World Cup qualification phase, his goal-keeping abilities was enough to put them top of their group. But, they were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player.
There was even a time he colluded with Sadio Mane at the 2021 AFCON tournament, and he was heavily criticized by Cape Verde fans for going too strong on the challenge.
However, at 39 years old, Vozinha wanted to hang his boots but his teammates urged him to stay. He lost his spot during the qualifiers to Bruno Varela (Cape Verde’s second choice goal-keeper), but a decision was made to keep him in the team for his leadership qualities.
I guess it finally paid-off, as they found their way through the qualifying stages, to be at the World’s biggest stage.
And now, his dazzling performance has caught the eyes of many around the world, as they held Spain to a goalless draw in their first ever FIFA World Cup match.
The weapon fashioned against Spain today. 😂