World Cup: Cape Verde keeper Vozinha cried for absent grandparents

Cape Verde's veteran goalkeeper Vozinha was overcome with emotion following his historic FIFA World Cup debut, where he played a crucial role in securing a goalless draw against Spain. The 40-year-old's performance included seven saves, earning him the Man of the Match award and making him the oldest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet on his World Cup debut.

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I cried after the game because I was raised by my grandparents during my childhood, and they could not be there.

After the match, Vozinha explained that his tears were for his grandparents, who raised him and had passed away before they could see him compete 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," he told reporters.

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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.

His mother was also unable to attend due to visa issues and prohibitive costs. The emotional moment capped a memorable evening for Vozinha, who also became the oldest player to feature in a nation's inaugural World Cup match. He expressed immense pride in being named Man of the Match, an achievement that exceeded his expectations.

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I never imagined anything like this. I am incredibly proud to be named Man of the Match.

"It is an honour to represent the country I cherish," Vozinha said, reflecting on Cape Verde's difficult journey to qualification. "We come from a very small place, and our journey to qualification was quite challenging. Today, our dream was realised by competing against a team like Spain. I take great pride in everyone who contributed to that process."

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It is an honour to represent the country I cherish. We come from a very small place, and our journey to qualification was quite challenging. Today, our dream was realised by competing against a team like Spain. I take great pride in everyone who contributed to that process.