Diney Borges
CB
Controlled Centre Back
Jan 17, 1995 (31)
Right
6'1"
172 lb
Unfortunate result during R32
Diney logged an own goal, eight clearances and two tackles won during Cape Verde's 3-2 loss Friday to Argentina.
Analysis: Playing against the World Cup's reigning champion Friday, Diney covering a lot of defensive ground against Argentina is unsurprising. Offensively, he updated his shots' tournament-high and logged his second shot on goal. In terms of Cape Verde's four games, Diney recorded at least eight clearances every matchup and multiple tackles won thrice. Unfortunately for him, his own goal was Argentina's third Friday. Diney's hand deflected both a header by Cristian Romero and past goalkeeper Vozinha. During the World Cup, Cape Verde's aforementioned center-back logged 39 clearances, seven tackles won and four interceptions. Impressively, in regulation, his back line did not lose any matchups despite a perceived lack of experience pre-WC.
Completes eight clearances
Diney recorded one tackle (one won) and eight clearances in Friday's 0-0 draw versus Saudi Arabia.
Analysis: Diney delivered a standout defensive performance on Friday, recording eight clearances to help preserve the clean sheet against Saudi Arabia and secure Capo Verde's place in the Round of 32. Alongside teammate Pico, he has formed a dependable backbone in the back line, showing consistency and composure throughout the group stage. Across the three matches, he has totaled 31 clearances, eight tackles won, and 11 duels won, underscoring his importance to the team's defensive structure. Argentina will present a far tougher challenge, but based on his group‑stage output, another match with high defensive involvement should be expected.
Part of resilient back line
Diney generated one shot (zero on goal) in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Uruguay. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 93rd minute.
Analysis: Diney lined up at center-back in Sunday's 2-2 World Cup draw against Uruguay and turned in a gritty defensive shift, piling up 15 clearances, one interception and two tackles won as Cape Verde absorbed wave after wave of pressure throughout the match. He was part of a back line that shipped two goals during a rough first-half spell but regrouped and dug deep to help preserve a crucial point in Group H. The result keeps Cape Verde's historic World Cup debut campaign alive heading into a win-or-go-home showdown with Saudi Arabia.
Plays full game
Diney generated one shot (one on goal) in Monday's 0-0 draw versus Spain.
Analysis: Borges played the full 90 minutes in Cape Verde's scoreless draw against Spain, recording eight clearances, three blocks, two interceptions and five tackles. He was at the heart of a defensive unit that spent much of the match protecting its own penalty area against Spain's relentless possession. He repeatedly stepped in to clear danger and deny clear shooting opportunities. He entered the tournament after averaging over seven clearances for Al Bataeh last campaign and helped secure a landmark clean sheet for Cape Verde.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare