Cape Verde goalkeeper Jozimar Vozinha has celebrated his nation's "magnificent" 0-0 draw against Spain, describing it as a moment the team "worked incredibly hard" to achieve. The 40-year-old shot-stopper, making his World Cup debut, said: "We are very proud. We know it will be difficult. We came to the World Cup to compete."
Vozinha acknowledged Cape Verde's underdog status but rejected any notion of inferiority: "I know there are people who think we're a small and weak team, but we are here to fight and give our all." His clean sheet on debut made him one of the oldest players to achieve that feat in World Cup history.
Cape Verde's defensive organization successfully neutralized Spain's possession and chances despite the opponent's technical superiority. The point leaves Cape Verde level with Spain atop Group H after round one, ahead of matches against Uruguay (June 22) and Saudi Arabia (June 27).
Cape Verde's unexpected group point dramatically shifts odds for Group H winner, with the minnows now level on points with Spain; the result significantly improves their value in qualifying and dark-horse accumulator bets.