The 40-year-old keeper who inspired Cape Verde’s historic debut against Spain

The 40-year-old keeper who inspired Cape Verde’s historic debutFigure caption, World Cup debutants Cape Verde hold on for draw against SpainByElizabeth ConwayWorld Cup reporter , AtAtlanta StadiumPublished43 minutes agoAs the final whistle rang out around the Atlanta Stadium, the cameras cut to Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha.Tears streamed down the 40-year-old’s face as the magnitude of what he had just achieved was starting to sink in, after his side’s 0-0 draw with World Cup favourites Spain.The stands erupted and thousands of Cape Verde supporters, who had carried their team with relentless noise for 90 minutes, celebrated together – hugging, dancing, and relishing the result.On the pitch, players raced towards each other in complete joy. Even the neutrals had been swept up in the occasion – by full-time, many were celebrating too.Against European champions Spain, veteran goalkeeper Vozinha had delivered the performance of his life to earn a heroic clean sheet and the most memorable result in his country’s history.”I cried because I grew up with my grandparents,” mentioned Vozinha after being awarded player of the match. “Unfortunately they were not here. They died a few years before. They were everything for me, everything for my life.”And also because of my mum. She didn’t manage to be here because of the visa. Because of the money you have to pay for the visa, we didn’t manage on time. I would like her to be here.”He added: “Our best weapon is our unity. Regardless of the player who arrives today, or the player who is 10 or 15 years old, the way we treat our family is our greatest strength.”Everyone thought that we came here just to enjoy the World Cup, but no, we know that we have teams that we will always respect, because this is our first time, but we are here to compete, and we are here to fight for our country.”World Cup debutants Cape Verde earn stunning draw against Spain