IRVINE, Calif. – The minnows are swimming with the sharks in the FIFA World Cup.
In the opening 11 days of the competition, there have been plenty of surprises by underdogs teams.
Quite appropriately, a team named the Blue Sharks, who hail from a country with a population of 550,000, has stolen the spotlight while becoming the darlings of the 48-team tournament.
Interestingly, Cape Verde, which made its World Cup debut six days ago, hasn’t won a game. But then again, it hasn’t lost one as well.
Cape Verde, comprised of 10 volcanic islands, is located off the coast of western Africa.
On Monday, June 15, Cape Verde, ranked 67th in the FIFA world rankings, pulled off a major upset, as it battled current European champion and second-ranked Spain to a 0-0 draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
On Sunday, June 21, the Blue Sharks were at it again, overcoming a one-goal deficit in the second half to play to a 2-2 deadlock against two-time World Cup champ Uruguay at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Another historic draw for Cape Verde
Cape Verde pulled off some more heroics and history in its latest result.
Kevin Pina connected off a free kick to score the team’s first-ever World Cup goal to take a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute. Trailing 2-1 in the 61st minute, Helio Varela tallied the equalizer.
“This is something we owe to other smaller national teams,” Cape Verde coach Pedro Leitao Brito said. “Teams that struggled to qualify for a world tournament. We’re also here to show that a country may be small, may struggle financially, but if they are resilient, if they can endure struggle, they can also stand shoulder to shoulder with other major teams and with players who are on another level.”
As a World Cup debutante, very few pundits, media, or observers gave Cape Verde much of a chance of making an impact or accruing any points. But they have had other things in mind.
“You show up, you believe, and we work very hard as a team,” Cape Verde defender Stopira said. “I think all the world can see we play, we play very good, and we also have quality in the team. So now it’s on to the next game, and to try to reach the next one.”
Vozinha is the savior against Spain
In Cape Verde’s opener, goalkeeper Vozinha stood on his head, making seven saves to hold off Spain, which enjoyed a huge shot and territorial advantage. Vozinha, whose Instagram following rocketed from 40,000 to 14.6 million over several days, became an instant international sensation.
Vozinha, whose given name is Josimar Dias, was in tears after the match due to personal reasons. His mother, Ana Candida Evora, could not travel to the game because of the high cost of obtaining a U.S. visa.
“I cried because I grew up with my grandparents, and unfortunately, they were not here; they died a few years ago,” he said. “They were everything for me, for my life. I also cried because my mum didn’t manage to be here because of the visa. Because of the money we had to pay for the visa, we didn’t manage to [get it done] on time. I would like her to be here, but I’m also very happy.”
“I have worked my whole life for this moment. I’m 40 years old. I started playing football professionally when I was 25, in 2012. I thought about leaving but I continued because of this dream. This is for everyone. I was named man of the match but this is for all of my teammates because without them nothing would be possible. I will continue to work for Cape Verde and for the people.”
The U.S. State Department, however, intervened and got his mother a visa. She was able to watch her son and his teammates provide another memorable highlight for Cape Verde and the World Cup.
Evora will get another opportunity to witness her son in action on June 26. That’s when the Blue Sharks and Vozinha face Saudi Arabia in their final Group H match in Houston. Thanks to the two draws and two points, the Blue Sharks are still in contention for a spot in the Round of 32.
If they can reach the knockout round, that would be yet another historic accomplishment for the darlings of the World Cup.
Michael Lewis, the sixth recipient of the Clay Berling Media Career of Excellence Award in 2025, can be followed on X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky at @Soccerwriter. His 10th soccer book, Around the World Cup in 40 Years: An American sportswriter’s perspective, has been published.