Vozinha was named Man of the Match and became the oldest player to participate in a country’s inaugural World Cup match after the game.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, professionally known as Vozinha, has explained why he cried during his country’s FIFA World Cup debut against Spain.
Speaking after the encounter on Monday, the shot-stopper traced his emotional reaction to the absence of his family at the game.
Vozinha emerged as a hero for Cape Verde during the match, helping the tiny African nation secure an unexpected 0-0 draw against Luis de la Fuente’s team.
At the conclusion of the match, the experienced goalkeeper was overcome with emotion as he became the oldest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet on his FIFA World Cup debut, making a total of seven saves.
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Addressing reporters after the feat, the 40-year-old expressed that he was in tears because his grandparents were unable to witness his participation on football’s grandest stage, having passed away a few years prior.
”I cried after the game because I was raised by my grandparents during my childhood, and they could not be there”, Vozinha stated.
He added: “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.”
Reacting to his recognition as the highest-rated player across both teams on his World Cup debut, the goalkeeper, who currently plays for Chaves in the Portuguese second division, was overwhelmed with joy.
”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. 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”, he expressed.
Apart from 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 Curaçao’s goalkeeper Eloy Room (37 years and 182 days old).
