Trader loses US$1 million on Cabo Verde’s shock World Cup draw with favourites Spain
The losing bettor had wagered on what was seen as an almost-certain Spanish win, but was thwarted by a goalkeeper who left the pitch in tears
A single trader on Polymarket lost almost US$1 million when Cabo Verde fought Spain to a stunning draw on Monday in one of the most unlikely outcomes in recent World Cup history, powered by a 40-year-old goalkeeper who left the pitch in tears.
The losing bettor had wagered on what oddsmakers saw as an almost-certain Spanish win, according to trading records from Polymarket, one of the largest prediction market exchanges.
Spain, the most recent European champions, were widely considered to be the favourites to win this year’s Fifa World Cup, with a Goldman Sachs model giving them a 26 per cent chance to prevail.
Cabo Verde, on the other hand, had never played in the tournament before and have no high-profile professional players on its roster.
The outcome was by far the most unexpected result in the first few days of a tournament that has already seen a number of surprising draws, including Japan’s late comeback on Sunday to draw with the Netherlands.
Behind the unlikely triumph was Josimar José Évora Dias, or Vozinha as he is known, the goalie who made seven decisive saves in the match.