SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Vozinha, the 40-year-old goalkeeper who made history with Cape Verde at the recently concluded World Cup, arrived in Chile on Sunday to join Colo Colo after a series of twists and turns that put his move in doubt.
"I'm very happy to be here. And I want to thank the fans for the patience they've shown while waiting for me," the Cape Verde star told reporters in Chile. "See you at the Monumental Stadium." That is Colo Colo's home ground in Santiago.
Colo Colo, Chile's most successful soccer club, announced the signing of Josimar Évora Dias, better known as Vozinha, on July 24. However, a series of setbacks — including documentation issues and personal matters — delayed his arrival on three separate occasions, causing concern both within and outside the club.
At last, he arrived at Santiago's airport at 8:35 p.m. local time and was welcomed by a huge crowd of supporters who gathered at the terminal with flags, banners, drums, and chants.
Vozinha became the oldest player to appear in a national team's debut game at the World Cup and was widely celebrated for keeping eventual champion Span scoreless.

#vozinha

Colo-Colo announced the signing of Vozinha on the 24th.
But the Cape Verde national team goalkeeper kept postponing his trip to Chile.
Even a Moroccan club, Berkane, joined the race for the 40-year-old player.
But the wait ended on Sunday night (2).
Josimar José Évora Dias landed in Santiago to finally make it certain that he will play for Colo-Colo.

#colo #vozinha #cape

Vozinha, the goalkeeper who played a key role in Cape Verde's fairytale World Cup run, has delayed his arrival in Chile to sign for Colo Colo because of "personal matters," the club's sporting director said on Thursday.
Colo Colo president Anibal Mosa had announced the signing of the 40-year-old keeper last Friday, later saying he would arrive in Chile on Thursday.
The delay fueled speculation in the local press, with some reporting that Vozinha was also in talks with Moroccan club RS Berkane.
"An additional period has been requested to resolve some personal matters ... and we'll surely have news soon regarding his travel schedule," Jaime Pizarro, Colo Colo's sporting director, told reporters.
Pizarro said immigration procedures were also a factor in the delay and that the club had accepted Vozinha's requests "to allow him to attend to his needs."

#chile #sporting

Vozinha, the 40-year-old goalkeeper who was one of the heroes of Cape Verde's fairytale run at the World Cup, is signing for Colo Colo, the Chilean club announced.
"Vozinha is set to become a Colo Colo player; he will arrive in Chile in the coming days, undergo the necessary medical tests and will then be presented here at the Monumental Stadium," club president Anibal Mosa told reporters ahead of a league match on Friday evening.
Vozinha starred at the World Cup with heroic displays in a 0-0 group-stage draw against eventual champions Spain and in a 3-2 extra-time loss to finalists Argentina in the knock-out rounds.
The goalie, whose full name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, will move to Chile from Chaves of the Portuguese second division. Although he did not sign his first professional contract until he was 26, he has also played in Cyprus, Slovakia, Moldova and Angola.
"He's in very good form; that's why we're signing him," said Mosa.

#colo #club #chilean

Real Madrid also got a share of the glory as Spain won the FIFA World Cup 2026, as one of their players, Marc Cucurella, was also present in the winning side. The Merengue club had signed the fullback just before the start of the top international competition, and he remained a key part of Luis de la Fuente's team throughout the tournament.
Other established Los Blancos stars also had a good World Cup, as they shone for their respective national teams. This is especially true for Kylian Mbappe, who remained the leader of France's attack, and won the Golden Boot with his 10 goals in the competition. Similarly, Jude Bellingham also starred for England, scoring 7 goals for the Three Lions.
As Diario AS has reported, all of these three players have been named in the FIFA World Cup Best XI, a starting lineup of the best players in the competition selected by fans' votes. The full list of players selected is as follows:
Goalkeeper: Vozinha (Cape Verde)
Defenders: Porro (Spain), Lisandro (Argentina), Upamecano (France), Cucurella (Spain)

#spain #cucurella

After a thrilling 2026 World Cup tournament taking place over the past month across 16 different cities in Canada, the United States and Mexico, it's all come down to this: The final matchup between Argentina and Spain taking place at New York New Jersey Stadium. There will be heated rivalries. There will be a first-ever halftime show. And there will be a huge number of celebrities in the stands cheering on the final two teams.
The past few weeks have been packed with plenty of compelling narratives that have had fans hooked, whether it's been the viral run on ranch dressing after tourists discovered it in the U.S.A.; the super fans who sacrificed to get seats in the stadium; the players who made a major impact in their first time on the global stage (who could forget Vozinha?) or the general thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.
See which stars showed up to watch some soccer (and Shakira) for the final game World Cup 2026.
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July 10 (Reuters) - Spanish biologist and soccer fan Jesus Ortea has named a newly discovered species ‌of sea snail in honour of Vozinha, the ‌Cape Verde goalkeeper who stunned fans by denying all goal attempts by Spain in his World Cup debut.
Ortea discovered the tiny, bright red mollusc, now named Aldisa vozinha, in the Caribbean and timed his announcement to coincide with the ‌World Cup.
"We have ⁠chosen the name vozinha in honour of Vozinha ... who played a prominent role in ⁠his country's World Cup debut against The Reds (Spain)," Ortea said in his paper.
"The colouration of the species is intended as a tribute to that achievement."
Vozinha, 40, became one of ‌the breakout stars of the tournament, helping his country reach the Round of 32, where he again distinguished himself in a dramatic extra-time loss to world champions Argentina.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is heading into its final stretch.
This Wednesday (8), there wasn't even a "Panama vs Uzbekistan" to brighten the day for football fans.
And with the Brazilian National Team already out of the ***** le race, the best thing to do is follow the wise advice of "Captain Penguin" from the movie "Madagascar," who tells his companions Kowalski, Rico, and Private: "Smile and wave, boys."
With that vibe, we at OneFootball look back at the memes that blew up in this edition of the World Cup.
Fan favorite Vozinha is definitely still in our hearts. But there was also the ***** anese fan's "attack" after the elimination against Brazil, Wilton Pereira Sampaio's English, and Vini Jr and Haaland "recreating" a scene from the movie "White Chicks."

We asked for your views on which free agents Chelsea could target this summer and whether there is one player the Blues are linked with but you hope they never sign.
Here are some of your comments:
Peter: I think a great signing for free would be John Stones, his experience could be similar to our signing of Silva. I know Stones could be a bit injury **** e but I think it's a risk worth taking, and he would help our inexperienced centre backs on and off the field.
Benjamin: Secure Vozinha now!! What are we waiting for? He has mature shoulders, can clearly play out from the back and is confident in his decision making, something Sanchez can only dream of! And he's a marketing dream!
Mohammed: I would try my best to get John Stones. Xhaka is **** e to a red card and should perhaps be avoided.

By scoring France’s decisive goal against Paraguay on Saturday night, Kylian Mbappé netted the 11th knockout-stage World Cup goal of his career.
That is... the same number as Cristiano Ronaldo in his entire World Cup career, including group-stage matches. While having played in three fewer editions than the Portuguese star. Okay.
Honestly...
We promise, we’ve got nothing against CR7 — we even love him!
But here’s an improbable stat: with his successful dribble against Argentina, Vozinha, Cape Verde’s now legendary goalkeeper, completed more dribbles than... Ronaldo at this World Cup!

Josimar José Évora Dias, known as Vozinha, was one of the biggest sensations of the FIFA World Cup along with his Cape Verde teammates.
And he is reportedly being targeted by two clubs in Brazil's Série B.
According to journalist Marcelo Braga, Atlético Goianiense and Avaí are discussing the possibility of making a move for the 40-year-old goalkeeper.
He is a free agent, as his contract with Portuguese side Chaves expired on the 30th.
Still according to the journalist, the talks are said to be at an early stage.

Cape Verde's performances will surely go down as perhaps the most charming story of this World Cup.
The protagonist of this fairytale is undoubtedly Vozinha. The 40-year-old keeper, who now stands at 20 million Instagram followers, played a simply outstanding tournament.
Argentina had to find that out last night as well. Vozinha repeatedly drove the Albiceleste superstars to despair and made sure the defending champions really had to suffer in their 3–2 extra-time victory.
The veteran was not even shaken by the aura of Lionel Messi. Time and again, he was there with outstanding reflexes against the eight-time World Player of the Year. Vozinha impressed Messi so much that, after the final whistle, he personally paid his respects to him.
But the goalkeeper, who earns his living in Portugal's second division, did not shine against Argentina only on the line. Quite the opposite: twice, he casually left the South American pressers standing with a cool feint.

Cape Verde may have been the World Cup's smallest nation, but they have certainly made a big impact.
Forget Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane - it is the tournament debutants who have become the centre of attention.
There were the heroics of goalkeeper Vozinha as they earned their first World Cup point against Spain. There were the thrills as they scored their first World Cup goals against Uruguay. There was Sidny Lopes Cabral's wonder goal as they almost causing the competition's biggest shock against Argentina. Cape Verde's World Cup journey had it all.
When the whistle blew to bring extra time to an end in Miami, the Blue Sharks players slumped to the turf after a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat by reigning champions Argentina but they can leave the United States knowing they have won many hearts.
"Cape Verde have lost, but they've won," said former Scotland international James McFadden on BBC Radio 5 Live.

What time is Argentina vs. Cape Verde? Live stream, TV channel, kickoff schedule for World Cup 2026 match originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The world will be watching as Argentina and Cape Verde face off in a pivotal World Cup knockout match on Friday.
With group stage games all played out, it's time to see if Argentina can continue their dominance with elimination on the line. Lionel Messi and his squad have not wavered so far, shutting out Austria and Algeria, and only letting up one goal in a win over Jordan. If the Argentinians can stay consistent, they could be on track to repeat as world champions.
While they might be an underdog in this matchup, Cape Verde shouldn't be underestimated. The small African nation garnered attention in group play, going undefeated and holding powerhouse Spain goalless in a stunning 0-0 draw. Cape Verde's strong defense, along with goalie Vozinha, has the potential to slow Argentina down.
Who will continue on to the Round of 16?

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JUNE 11: Raul Jimenez #9 of Mexico celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has now fully settled into its rhythm — and the stories transcending the pitch have only gotten bigger. Last week, we covered Lamine Yamal's sujood, Iran's impossible commute, and the accidental romance between Lawrence, Kansas and Algeria. Week two delivered something even harder to manufacture: a goalkeeper's mother clearing customs in time for a miracle reunion, a team that turned a Houston airport into a fashion week runway, an NFL quarterback becoming America's most beloved cultural ambassador, a Viking cheer that went from Norway to the New York City subway, and a group of kilt-wearing Scots who made Boston fall so hard the city signed a twinning agreement with Glasgow. Here are the five pop culture moments that defined the World Cup's second week.
When Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha broke down in tears after his historic 0-0 draw against Spain last week, he told the world two things: that his grandparents, who raised him, had passed before they could see this moment — and that his mother couldn't afford the bond required to secure a U.S. visa in time to watch him play. The internet responded the way the internet occasionally does when it's at its best.
Within 24 hours, GoFundMe campaigns had surpassed their targets. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries contacted Secretary of State Marco Rubio directly, asking the State Department to do everything in their power to ensure Vozinha’s mother could attend Cape Verde’s next match. Vozinha's mother, Ana Candida Evora, received U.S. visa approval with the intervention of the State Department, began her journey from Cape Verde's capital city of Praia on June 17, and made it to Miami Stadium to watch her son play against Uruguay on June 21.
The broader context matters here. Cape Verde was among 50 countries whose citizens faced bonds of up to $15,000 to secure a U.S. visa, part of broader travel restrictions — a requirement the Trump administration suspended for World Cup ticket holders, though critics noted it came too late for many families. The Vozinha story became a live stress test of that policy, and it ended — for one family, in one stadium — with a reunion on the world’s biggest stage.

Tiny Cape Verde have become the history makers of World Cup 2026 by defying all odds to become the smallest country to earn a spot in the knockout stages of the competition.
Their improbable run through the group stage, with a third straight World Cup draw, was completed with a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia on Friday night to advance in the tournament.
Keeping goal for Cape Verde throughout has been Vozinha, 40, who has embodied the grit of his nation.
"We are small, but we have big hearts and we are fighters," said the goalkeeper, who last season played for Chaves in Portugal's second tier.
The island nation off the western coast of Africa, which is making its debut on football's grandest stage, already held 2010 champion Spain to a 0-0 draw – a shock in itself to begin their campaign.

Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia face each other this Saturday at the NRG Stadium of the World Cup. The match will be broadcast live at 01:00 on ITV 4.
In their last outing, Cape Verde drew 2-2 against Uruguay (World Cup 2026). In their last encounter, Saudi Arabia were beaten 4-0 by Spain (World Cup 2026).
Cape Verde ( vs Uruguay 2026-06-21): Vozinha, Steven Moreira, Diney Borges, Roberto Lopes, Sidny Cabral, Kevin Pina, Ryan Mendes, Jamiro Monteiro, Telmo Arcanjo, Garry Rodrigues, Gilson Benchimol
Saudi Arabia ( vs Spain 2026-06-21): Mohammed Al-Owais, Saud Abdulhamid, Ali Lajami, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Hassan Tambakti, Moteb Al-Harbi, Musab Al-Juwayr, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Nasser Al-Dawsari, Salem Al-Dawsari, Feras Al-Buraikan

From a mini version of Lamine, to a mother’s tears or **** an’s values, this World Cup keeps delivering unique moments.
After his performance against Spain and his statement that his mother had not been able to watch him at the World Cup, strings were pulled to make that dream come true. Against Uruguay, Vozinha got to know what it feels like to see your mother watching you shine at the biggest sporting event in the world.
No one doubts that Lamine Yamal is Spain’s sensation and biggest star, but now he’s even getting some very young imitators. Before the match against Saudi Arabia, this kid could easily pass for his twin brother — what do you think?
One of the images of this World Cup: in the Belgium-Iran match, Trossard suffers a nasty challenge and the medical staff are ready to come onto the pitch, but the players themselves stop them so as not to waste time. The doctor had never been so close to treating him, yet so far from being able to do so.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 21: Pico Lopes #4 and Vozinha #1 of Cabo Verde embrace after the 2-2 draw during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Uruguay and Cabo Verde at Miami Stadium on June 21, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
IRVINE, Calif. - The minnows are swimming with the sharks in the FIFA World Cup.
In the opening 11 days of the competition, there have been plenty of surprises by underdogs teams.
Quite appropriately, a team named the Blue Sharks, who hail from a country with a population of 550,000, has stolen the spotlight while becoming the darlings of the 48-team tournament.
Interestingly, Cape Verde, which made its World Cup debut six days ago, hasn’t won a game. But then again, it hasn't lost one as well.

If winning a point against Spain with a heroic defensive performance wasn’t enough to make you fall in love with Cape Verde, they provided a definitive claim to become everyone’s favorite team in World Cup 2026 thanks to a remarkable 2-2 draw against Uruguay that gives them a real chance to reach the knockout rounds in their first-ever appearance.
When Agustín Canobbio scored Uruguay’s second goal just before halftime to take the lead and all the momentum, it seemed as though Cape Verde’s magic carpet ride was about to end in the second half as the superior team looked set to take over in Miami.
But an incredible show of resilience and the ability to take advantage of a horrible error by the Uruguay defense allowed them to score a huge equalizer, and cult hero Vozinha showed up again to help his nation pick up a second point in two games against the strongest teams in the group.
A win against Saudi Arabia in the group finale will secure second place, which no one ever thought was possible when the World Cup began. But Cape Verde’s unwavering belief has them in a position to realize their wildest dreams, and the entire world now has no choice but to be behind them.
No one will argue that this is the best Belgium side we’ve ever seen, but the young talent around Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku is certainly good enough to have more than just two points in this World Cup after two games against Egypt and Iran.

Day of Vozinha and Fede Viñas. Bielsa, Bubista and a whole Uruguay-Cape Verde clash that will be key in Group H, Spain's group.
Both teams come into this needing a win after drawing in their opening match, and they will go for it with these already confirmed lineups:
Uruguay: Muslera, Valera, Cáceres, Olivera, Sanabria, Valverde, Bentancur, Ugarte, Cannobio, Fede Viñas and Araújo.
Sanabria comes in for Viña at left-back, while Cannobio replaces Darwin up front.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Sunday is Father's Day. Except, perhaps, for Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha.
The feel-good story of the World Cup will be back on the field Sunday, when Cape Verde takes on Uruguay in the second group-stage match for both teams. And Vozinha — whose name is Josimar José Évora Dias — will have his mother in the stands for that match; she was unable to attend Cape Verde's stunning opening draw against Spain because she couldn't obtain a visa.
Ana Candida Evora is here now, though — making Cape Verde's story even better.
“I want to thank all the fans, everyone who helped in the process, for the support you gave to the team, especially to Cabo Verde,” Evora said Sunday in remarks distributed by FIFA in a video message. “We’re all rooting for Cabo Verde to play well, to shine on the pitch. The players need to have faith and everything will go well.
“Keep your heads held high, go onto that pitch, push for a goal and you’ll perform beautifully, my boys. A kiss for you, be strong and brave. Blue Sharks!”

Cape Verde arrive at Miami Stadium on Sunday looking to build on one of the most celebrated results in their nation’s sporting history.
The Blue Sharks produced a disciplined, resolute defensive display to hold European champions Spain to a goalless draw on their World Cup debut. Bubista earned widespread praise for a tactical masterclass that confounded even the most optimistic pre-match expectations. That performance has fuelled belief within the camp that they can frustrate South American heavyweights Uruguay and extend their unbeaten run in North America.
Bubista has a largely fit squad available and is expected to name an unchanged side from the XI that impressed against Spain. The one concern is Jovane Cabral, who faces a late fitness test ahead of kick-off. If he does not come through, Bubista has options from the bench.
Vozinha starts in goal once more. The 40-year-old produced seven saves to deny Spain and has become one of the tournament’s most talked-about figures overnight. Diney Borges and Roberto Lopes continue at centre-back, with Steven Moreira and Sidny Lopes Cabral as the wide defenders.
Kevin Lenini and Laros Duarte form the midfield base, with Jamiro Monteiro providing energy in the more advanced central role. Ryan Mendes provides experience and flair from the right, with Jovane Cabral expected on the opposite flank if he clears his fitness test. Dailon Livramento leads the line as the sole striker.

Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room wrote his name into World Cup history by making 15 saves to earn the tiny Caribbean nation their first ever point at the tournament with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador.
Room, 37, broke the record for the most saves in a 90-minute World Cup match since records began in 1966. Only the USA’s Tim Howard has made more stops in a World Cup game, with 16 in an extra-time defeat to Belgium in 2014.
Curacao is home to just 156,000 people, making them the smallest country to compete at the World Cup, and Room is the latest veteran goalkeeper to make his mark at the tournament following the performance of Cape Verde’s Vozinha in the 0-0 draw against Spain.
“I think I need a statue in Curacao now,” Room said. His Instagram is also set to explode, with the goalkeeper gaining more than 600,000 new followers in the hours after his performance. “For me as a goalkeeper, this is almost a perfect game,” he added.
Born in the Netherlands, near the German border, Room spent the majority of his career in Dutch football. He made his debut for Curacao in 2015, after being convinced to join the team by Patrick Kluivert, the former Netherlands international who was in charge of Curacao at the time. Room was eligible to play for Curacao through his father.

Uruguay and Cape Verde clash this Sunday at the Hard Rock Stadium of the World Cup. The match will be broadcast live at 23:00 on BBC One.
In their last outing, Uruguay drew 1-1 against Saudi Arabia (World Cup 2026). In their last game, Cape Verde drew 0-0 with Spain (World Cup 2026).
Uruguay ( vs Saudi Arabia 2026-06-15): Fernando Muslera, Guillermo Varela, Mathías Olivera, Sebastián Cáceres, Matías Viña, Manuel Ugarte, Rodrigo Bentancur, Federico Viñas, Fede Valverde, Maxi Araújo, Darwin Núñez
Cape Verde ( vs Spain 2026-06-15): Vozinha, Steven Moreira, Diney Borges, Roberto Lopes, Sidny Cabral, Kevin Pina, Jamiro Monteiro, Laros Duarte, Ryan Mendes, Dailon Livramento, Jovane Cabral

With every nation now having played their opening World Cup fixture, it’s time for Dan The Scout to pick his Team of the Tournament so far.
From defensive masterclasses to attacking brilliance, here is Dan’s Best XI from Matchday 1.
Let us know your own selections in the comments below.
The romantics might pick Cape Verde’s keeper Vozinha, but Spain actually failed to translate lots of sideways passing into clear-cut chances.
Saudi’s goalie, on the other hand, faced an aerial bombardment in the second half against Uruguay. The 34-year-old’s nine saves are the most in a game so far at this World Cup.

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros preview the United States' crucial World Cup showdown with Australia and reveal their ideal starting XI for Mauricio Pochettino's side. The guys discuss which USMNT players need to raise their level, highlight the Australian stars capable of causing problems, and give their predictions for one of the biggest matches of the group stage as the Americans look to continue their strong start.
Then, former Wrexham goalkeeper Mark Howard joins The Cooligans to react to England's entertaining 4-2 win, the controversy surrounding Dominik Livaković's penalty save, and Vozinha's heroic performance against Spain. Mark also shares which goalkeepers have stood out to him at the World Cup and explains what separates the elite shot-stoppers from the rest during a tournament of this magnitude.
To wrap up the show, Christian and Alexis preview Canada's must-win match against Qatar and explain why the pressure is mounting for the Canadians. They also look ahead to the rest of Group C, including a struggling Brazil side searching for answers against Haiti, and discuss whether the five-time champions are in danger of becoming the tournament's biggest disappointment.
Timestamps:
(0:00) — Full USMNT vs Australia preview and predictions

With the end of the first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Opta released its Team of the Round featuring the players who impressed the most.
Now that the national teams have taken the field, it’s possible to get a good sense of who started the tournament in top form.
Check out the Team of the Round for the opening matchday!
Vozinha (Goalkeeper | Cape Verde): The 40-year-old veteran was a true wall in the historic 0-0 draw against Spain. With seven crucial saves, his heroic performance was key to securing one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
Amir Murillo (Right-back | Panama): Despite the loss to Ghana, the full-back stood out for his strong attacking support and excellent fighting spirit. He led the stats for ball progression and duels won on his side of the pitch.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 15: Vozinha #1 of Cabo Verde applaud fans after the 0-0 draw during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Cabo Verde at Atlanta Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Before-and-after versions of social media follower counts often dominate discussion during the FIFA World Cup. The tournament's greatest branding opportunity is not necessarily for players who already command massive global audiences. Instead, the World Cup can be transformative for lesser-known players who suddenly find themselves on the biggest stage in sport.
In today’s digital age, success on the field can dramatically accelerate a player’s personal brand. The World Cup offers a unique environment where relatively unknown players can increase their visibility very quickly, attracting new fans and establishing international recognition almost overnight.
The scale of the tournament is unmatched. Players who may be known only within their domestic leagues suddenly perform in front of audiences numbering in the hundreds of millions. A standout performance, a crucial goal or a memorable save can introduce a player to fans across every continent. Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube then allow fans to continue following that player's journey long after the tournament ends.
While stars such as Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi generate lots of attention, they already possess global brands and follower counts that stretch into the tens or hundreds of millions. Their World Cup performances may reinforce their status, but the tournament’s biggest social media winners are often players who begin the competition with little international recognition.

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I covered the Cape Verde v Spain game when a chap of a certain vintage became the talk of the town. The World Cup often throws up these heartwarming stories and the brilliant, unbeatable 40-year-old Vozinha stole the hearts of everyone watching.
The fact that he certainly doesn't look young for his age, is that a polite way of putting it, made it even more poignant as did his tears of joy at the end.
My trip down from Boston to New York hadn't been an easy one the previous day.