カーボベルデの英雄ゴールキーパー、ワールドカップでの活躍でフォロワー数が200万人を突破

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has seen his Instagram following spike by over two million since their draw with Spain.

The 40-year-old produced a player of the match display to keep out the European champions in Atlanta on Monday.

Vozinha has gained over two million Instagram followers after his heroics against SpainGetty

Vozinha made seven saves as Cape Verde earned their first ever World Cup point with a goalless draw.

In doing so, he became the oldest keeper in World Cup history to keep a clean sheet on their tournament debut.

Prior to the match, Vozinha’s Instagram account had boasted just 46,000 followers.

However, less than three hours after the final whistle that figure had skyrocketed to 2.4million.

The figure represents almost five times the population of Cape Verde, which is just over 500,000.

Their appearance at this summer’s finals makes them the third smallest country ever to feature at the World Cup.

Only Curacao and Iceland have qualified with a smaller population than the African island nation.

Emotional celebrations

The draw with Spain prompted emotional celebrations from their fans and players inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Vozinha was amongst them as he broke down in tears at the final whistle.

He later explained his reaction was in part due to his mother and his late grandparents not being able to watch the match in person.

The Cape Verde keeper made seven saves in a player of the match displayGetty

Speaking to reporters, the stopper explained: “I cried because I grew up with my grandparents and unfortunately they were not here, they died a few years before, and they did everything for me and my life.

“Also my mum, she didn’t manage to be here because of the visa. The money for the visa, we didn’t manage (to do) on time and I would like her to be here.

“But I am very happy and also happy for all the Cape Verdean people.”

Who is Vozinha?

Vozinha is Cape Verde’s second-highest appearance maker in their history behind captain Ryan Mendes.

Since making his debut aged 26 in 2012, he has won 89 caps for the Blue Sharks.

The veteran keeper currently plays his club football in the Portuguese second-tier with Chaves.

Vozinha will become a free agent at the end of June when his contract with Chaves expiresGetty

However, he will become a free agent at the end of this month when his contract expires.

Vozinha has previously had spells in Angola, Moldova, Cyprus and Slovakia as well as his native Cape Verde.

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