Goalie Vozinha of Cape Verde explained why his mother wasn’t present during his FIFA World Cup debut against Spain.
In an unexpected 0-0 draw with Luis de la Fuente’s team in Georgia, the seasoned goalkeeper proved to be a hero for Cape Verde.
Vozinha was overtaken with emotion at the end of the game after making seven saves to become the oldest goalie to record a clean sheet in his FIFA World Cup debut.
The 40-year-old told reporters that he was crying after the game because his grandparents, who had died a few years earlier, were unable to see him play on football’s biggest platform.
I cried after the game because I was raised by my grandparents during my childhood, and they could not be there,” Vozinha stated. “They passed away a few years ago. My mother was also unable to attend due to a visa issue and the costs associated with it. We could not arrange this in time.”
In addition to being the oldest goalkeeper to secure a shutout on his World Cup debut, Vozinha also became the oldest player to participate in a country’s inaugural World Cup match, surpassing the previous record held by Curacao’s goalkeeper Eloy Room (37 years and 182 days old).
Regarding being named Man of the Match in his World Cup debut, Vozinha said, “I never imagined anything like this.” The most well regarded player on both teams was the goalie, who presently plays for Chaves in the Portuguese second level.
“Being named Man of the Match makes me extremely proud,” Vozinha said.
Representing the nation I love is an honor. Our route to qualifying was pretty difficult, and we come from a very small place. We were able to fulfill our dream today by taking on a team like Spain. I’m really proud of everyone that helped in that process.
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