Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has revealed the emotional reason behind his tears after helping his country secure a historic 0-0 draw against Spain in their FIFA World Cup debut.
The 40-year-old shot-stopper emerged as Cape Verde’s hero, producing seven crucial saves to deny Spain and earn a memorable clean sheet in Georgia. His performance also saw him become the oldest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet on his FIFA World Cup debut.
Speaking after the match, an emotional Vozinha explained that his tears were linked to the absence of his loved ones, particularly his grandparents, who raised him but passed away before witnessing him play on football’s biggest stage.
“I cried after the game because I was raised by my grandparents during my childhood, and they could not be there,” Vozinha said. “They passed away a few years ago. My mother was also unable to attend because of visa issues and the cost involved. We could not arrange everything in time.”
The veteran goalkeeper also set another record by becoming the oldest player to feature in a nation’s first-ever World Cup match, surpassing the previous mark held by Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room.
Vozinha admitted he never imagined being named Man of the Match on his World Cup debut after delivering one of the tournament’s standout goalkeeping displays.
“I never imagined anything like this. I am incredibly proud to be named Man of the Match,” he said.
The Chaves goalkeeper added that representing Cape Verde on the global stage was a dream come true for a nation that overcame significant challenges to qualify for its first World Cup.
“It is an honor to represent the country I love. We come from a very small place, and the road to qualification was difficult. Today, our dream became reality by competing against a team like Spain. I am proud of everyone who played a part in making this happen.”
