Sidny Lopes Cabral of Cape Verde has been awarded the public vote for the best goal of the World Cup, marking a historic achievement for the African nation. His striking curling shot found the top corner of Argentina’s net during extra time in the round-of-32 match, equalizing the score at 2-2 before Cape Verde ultimately fell to their opponent.

Cape Verde’s performance throughout the tournament drew significant attention as the team made its debut on football’s biggest stage, exceeding expectations despite their elimination. Lopes Cabral’s goal stood out among a total of 308 scored at the event, capturing widespread admiration from fans worldwide.

The public vote placed Lopes Cabral’s goal above other notable contenders, including Uzbekistan’s Eldor Shomurodov, who scored a delicate lob against Congo, and Haiti’s Wilson Isidor, whose powerful rising shot came against Morocco. The recognition highlights the skill and competitive spirit showcased by players from emerging football nations during the tournament.