From Portugal’s second tier to World Cup heroics, Vozinha lifts Cape Verde | OneFootball

At 40, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha captivated audiences in a 0-0 with Spain on 15 June. In the US he is enjoying an unexpected ovation that continues against Uruguay in the night from Sunday to Monday at 0 hours.

According to L'Équipe, in Chaves his performance has filled Segunda Liga supporters with pride, even as his two-season stay ends. After a mixed campaign, the club did not extend the 40-year-old’s deal.

He made seven saves against Spain and is admired for what he brings beyond the pitch. His career has already taken him from Cape Verde to Angola, the Czech Republic, Moldova and Cyprus.

By Saturday his Instagram following had surged towards 15 million, from about 50,000 a week earlier, many moved by his tears and thoughts of the grandparents who raised him.

He said his mother, Ana Candida Evora, could not travel because of visa issues and because he had not gathered enough money in time. His case highlighted US rules requiring a deposit of 5,000 to 15,000 euros for applicants from several African countries.

A solution seems close, with Evora expected in the stands for Uruguay at 0 hours, after Democratic congressman Hakeem Jeffries said she would secure a visa in time. Coach Bubista saw resilience in those tears, nearly 14 years after a 2-0 debut win over Cameroon securing a first AFCON. Vozinha, meaning granny in Cape Verdean Creole, is on his shirt in tribute, and he left his island at 25 to pursue his career.

Source: L'Équipe