Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha cries after draw with Spain, citing mother's visa issues

Cape Verde's veteran goalkeeper Vozinha was overcome with emotion, shedding tears on the field after his team achieved a remarkable draw against Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The 40-year-old player's performance was instrumental in securing the unexpected 2-2 result against the highly-rated Spanish squad.

Speaking after the match, Vozinha revealed the personal significance of the moment, explaining that his tears were partly due to his mother's absence. "My mother could not come because of U.S. visa problems," he stated, highlighting the bittersweet nature of his achievement. The match took place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, a venue that likely added to the emotional weight for the player.

Vozinha, a stalwart for Cape Verde, has been a consistent presence for the national team. His leadership and crucial saves against a formidable opponent like Spain underscored his dedication and the team's fighting spirit. The draw against the world's second-ranked team is a significant achievement for Cape Verde, marking a historic moment in their World Cup campaign.

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My mother could not come because of U.S. visa problems