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Cape Verde national team goalkeeper Vozinha (centre) revealed the emotional reason behind his tears after holding Spain to a draw.

BOLASPORT.COM – Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has opened up about why he broke down in tears following the national team’s opening Group H match against Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 40-year-old goalkeeper delivered an outstanding performance and was named the man of the match (MVP) in the encounter.

Vozinha made an impressive seven saves as Cape Verde managed to hold Spain to a goalless 0-0 draw.

Standing firm between the posts for GD Chaves, the veteran shot-stopper denied every attempt on goal from La Furia Roja with remarkable composure.

His heroic display earned widespread praise, especially considering his age and the fact that this was his debut appearance at a World Cup.

After the final whistle, Vozinha was seen in tears, a sight that moved fans and teammates alike.

Many believed his tears were tears of joy, celebrating his role as Cape Verde’s saviour in their historic World Cup debut.

However, Vozinha revealed that his tears were actually due to longing for his late grandparents, who were unable to witness his proudest footballing moment at the 2026 World Cup.

“I cried after the match because I was raised by my grandparents, and they couldn’t be here. They passed away several years ago,” he said, as quoted by BolaSport.com via Tuttomercato.

Adding to his sadness, Vozinha explained that his mother was also unable to travel to the tournament because of visa complications and financial constraints.

The goalkeeper, whose full name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, shared that his family could not gather the required funds quickly enough for his mother’s visa to be issued.

“My mother couldn’t come because of visa issues and the money we needed to pay. We couldn’t manage it in time,” he explained.

Despite the emotional setback, Vozinha expressed pride in being able to play a key role in Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup appearance.

He reflected on his long and challenging journey to this stage, having started his professional career relatively late.

“We work hard in life for moments like this. I’m 40 years old now, but I only began playing professionally at 25,” he said.

“This (MVP award) is a reward for the entire journey.”

“Honestly, I never dreamed of moments like this when I was a child.”

“But after this match, I can tell my younger self that it was all worth it,” he added.

With the draw against Spain, Cape Verde have kept alive their hopes of progressing from the group stage at the 2026 World Cup.

With one point secured, the team – nicknamed the Blue Sharks – now need positive results in their remaining two Group H fixtures.

Next, they will face Uruguay, where even a draw would keep their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds intact.

If Cape Verde can hold La Celeste, a victory in their final Group H match against Saudi Arabia would secure them a place in the round of 32.