Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha finally made his long-awaited debut for Colo-Colo on Wednesday, keeping a clean sheet as the Chilean giants defeated Union Espanola 3-0 in the Copa Chile.

The 40-year-old, whose full name is Josimar Evora Dias, had arrived in Chile earlier this month after Colo-Colo announced his signing. His debut had been delayed by paperwork and personal matters, but he eventually took his place in goal for the final Group E match.

Vozinha had already been part of the squad for several matches, including the Superclasico against Universidad de Chile, but remained on the bench for that game. This time, coach Fernando Ortiz handed him his first start for the club.

The timing proved significant. Colo-Colo entered the match already assured of a place in the Copa Chile knockout stage, with the game serving as an opportunity for Vozinha to finally begin his competitive career in Chile.

The goalkeeper finished the night with a clean sheet as Colo-Colo secured a comfortable 3-0 victory and finished top of their group. Maximiliano Romero opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, while the Chilean side added two more goals to complete the win.

Vozinha was not seriously tested for long periods, but he produced several interventions when Union Espanola pushed forward in the second half. His performance was enough to give him a successful first outing and earn an ovation from the Colo-Colo supporters.

His arrival at Colo-Colo followed a memorable 2026 World Cup with Cape Verde. The veteran goalkeeper became one of the breakout figures of the tournament as Cape Verde reached the knockout stage in their first-ever World Cup appearance.

Cape Verde held Spain and Uruguay to draws in the group stage before being eliminated by Argentina in the round of 32. Vozinha's saves were central to the team's historic campaign and helped turn him into an international football sensation.

Colo-Colo had signed Vozinha on a six-month contract with an option to extend for another year. The club had initially faced uncertainty over his arrival, with delays keeping him away from the squad longer than expected.

His next challenge will be to establish himself as Colo-Colo's first-choice goalkeeper. Before his debut, 19-year-old academy product Gabriel Maureira had stepped in following an injury to regular goalkeeper Fernando De Paul and had impressed with his performances, meaning Vozinha is not guaranteed the starting position.

For now, however, the World Cup sensation has made the start he would have wanted: a first appearance, a victory and a clean sheet.

Cape Verde, playing their first ever FIFA World Cup match, produced one of the tournament’s early upsets by holding 2010 champions Spain to a 0-0 draw at Atlanta Stadium on Tuesday. The result owed much to veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, whose seven saves and towering presence kept Spain at bay and sent his nation into rapturous celebration.

Spain dominated possession — 74% across the match — and fired 27 shots, yet could not break down Cape Verde’s compact defence. The closest they came was Ferran Torres’s 39th‑minute effort that hit the crossbar; on the rebound Vozinha then palmed away a header from Mikel Oyarzabal. Spain’s attacking play created chances but lacked the finishing touch, while Cape Verde defended in disciplined blocks and threatened on the counter.

Vozinha, 40, emerged as the game’s unlikely hero. Social media exploded after the final whistle: the goalkeeper, who had roughly 50,000 Instagram followers before the match, reportedly gained over four million followers after his performance. Teammates and fans celebrated the draw in the dressing room and on the pitch as if it were a win.

Spain’s coach will be left frustrated by the blunt end product. Lamine Yamal, introduced in the 71st minute to inject urgency, intensified Spain’s attacks but could not find a decisive touch. Mikel Merino and Oyarzabal tested Vozinha repeatedly in the second half; a late Oyarzabal chance was somehow cleared off the line by Pico Lopes in the 88th minute. Cape Verde even had a late opportunity when Diney Borges headed towards goal in stoppage time, only for Spain’s Unai Simón to make a sharp save.

In Group H’s other match on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay shared the points in Miami after a 1-1 draw. Hassan Al‑Tambakti’s header created a rebound that Abdulelah Al‑Amri converted early on to give Saudi Arabia the lead. Uruguay fought back late, and Maxi Araujo equalised in the 80th minute after a Federico Vias header was only parried, sending the ball back into play for Araujo to finish.

The results leave Uruguay top of Group H, followed by Saudi Arabia, Spain and Cape Verde. Spain and Uruguay meet next, while Cape Verde will face Saudi Arabia — a tough run for the island nation, but one buoyed by newfound belief.

Tuesday’s slate of matches produced an unusual statistical footnote: four World Cup games ended in draws on the same day, the first time that has happened since June 15, 1958 — exactly 68 years ago, according to The Athletic.

Beyond the headlines, Cape Verde’s draw highlights how compact defending and one inspired performance from a keeper can upset possession-heavy sides. For Spain, the lack of a cutting edge will invite tactical questions and scrutiny from fans and pundits. For Cape Verde, this is football’s biggest stage delivering a national moment — one they will hope to build on.

Other notable moments from the day: Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera, at 39 years and 364 days, became the oldest player to represent Uruguay at a World Cup. Belgium were held to a 1-1 draw by Egypt, while Iran and New Zealand played out an entertaining 2-2 tie, with Elijah Just scoring a brace for New Zealand.

For a modest footballing nation like Cape Verde, the draw is seismic. Vozinha’s night will be replayed across timelines, and the island’s players will carry confidence into a group that still offers room for surprise. Spain, meanwhile, must sharpen their final third before facing Uruguay if they are to avoid further slip‑ups.