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When Cape Verde qualified for the World Cup, that alone was supposed to be the major accomplishment for the nation of half a million off Africa's western coast. It was never going to be about the on-field performance.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha had other ideas.
In Monday's Group H opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Stadium), the 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha played the match of legends against No. 8 ranked Spain — a popular pick to win the whole tournament. But facing a relentless attack of world-class players, Vozinha put together a stunning performance that will make him a household name in Cape Verde and beyond.
Vozinha made seven saves, making him the oldest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet in a World Cup debut. He held Spain scoreless despite a 1.78 xG. His reaction after the match said it all.
Amazing. That's exactly what the World Cup is all about. Vozinha was moved to tears as he glanced at the crowd in Atlanta. He plays his club soccer in Portugal's second division. But on this day, he was elite. And no matter what happens, Cape Verde will leave this World Cup with a point in the standings.
They can be proud about that.
Spain likely expected to cruise through the match without even playing stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. And it was the tenacious defending and class performance from Vozinha that forced Luis de la Fuente to change that approach.
It still didn't matter. Vozinha had the match of his life.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was moved to tears after legendary World Cup performance vs. Spain
Continue reading...
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha had other ideas.
In Monday's Group H opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Stadium), the 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha played the match of legends against No. 8 ranked Spain — a popular pick to win the whole tournament. But facing a relentless attack of world-class players, Vozinha put together a stunning performance that will make him a household name in Cape Verde and beyond.
Vozinha made seven saves, making him the oldest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet in a World Cup debut. He held Spain scoreless despite a 1.78 xG. His reaction after the match said it all.
Amazing. That's exactly what the World Cup is all about. Vozinha was moved to tears as he glanced at the crowd in Atlanta. He plays his club soccer in Portugal's second division. But on this day, he was elite. And no matter what happens, Cape Verde will leave this World Cup with a point in the standings.
They can be proud about that.
Spain likely expected to cruise through the match without even playing stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. And it was the tenacious defending and class performance from Vozinha that forced Luis de la Fuente to change that approach.
It still didn't matter. Vozinha had the match of his life.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was moved to tears after legendary World Cup performance vs. Spain
Continue reading...
