The FIFA World Cup has an unmatched ability to change the life of any footballer in the world. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha got to know that first-hand after his Instagram following skyrocketed to an astronomical 11.8 million – nearly 22 times the entire 530,000 population of his home nation.
But behind the viral metrics and the euphoria of a legendary clean sheet lies a deeply poignant human tale.
VONZINHA: THE WALL THAT STOPPED SPAIN
Making their World Cup debut in Atlanta, the small African island nation faced tournament favorites Spain, who utterly dominated possession with 75% of the ball. However, they ran directly into a 40-year-old brick wall.
Vozinha – whose real name is Josimar Dias – delivered a masterclass in goal. The veteran shot-stopper single-handedly thwarted Spain’s star-studded frontline, making seven crucial saves to deny the likes of Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal, ultimately securing a historic 0-0 draw.
While the football world reeled in disbelief at the result, one woman was not the least bit surprised. A day before the match, Vozinha’s 59-year-old mother, Ana Candida Evora, went on local state television to confidently predict that no one would manage to score past her son.
“I said that no ball would enter his goal, and that is exactly what happened,” Evora told Reuters.
VOZINHA IN TEARS AFTER SPAIN MATCH
Despite the post-match celebrations and his sudden explosion on social media, Vozinha broke down in tears on the pitch after the final whistle. He later revealed to reporters that his emotional release was mixed with heartache because his mother had not been able to travel to see his heroics in person due to a visa issue.
Earlier this year, Cape Verde was included on a US list requiring citizens to post upfront bonds of up to $15,000 to enter the country. While Washington dropped the requirement last month for World Cup ticket holders to facilitate tournament travel, the high cost of flights and late notice had already forced vora to rule out the 6,400-km trip.
“I would have loved to travel and watch the match, but it was not possible,” she said.
The story has since caught the attention of US political leaders, with House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries publicly asking the State Department to step in and expedite her documentation so she can attend Cape Verde’s next match against Uruguay on Sunday.
Back home, the island nation continues its all-night celebrations, fuelled by a mother’s pride and a goalkeeper who became a global sensation in just 90 minutes.
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