Even with the miracle against Spain, tears of heartbreak... "My mother and grandparents couldn't come" — A 40-year-old veteran's sad confession

*This content was translated by AI.

After repelling Spain's fierce onslaught and securing Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup points, goalkeeper Bochinha (40, Chaves) shed hot tears after the match. But these were not tears of pure joy. He was deeply regretful that he could not share this historic moment with his family.

On the 16th (Korea time), Cape Verde drew 0-0 against Spain in the first group stage match of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, USA. It was a miraculous result. Spain, ranked second in the FIFA rankings, is considered a strong contender for the tournament title, boasting numerous world-class players including Lamine Yamal of Barcelona. Yet, Spain ultimately bowed its head without scoring a single goal. In contrast, Cape Verde secured its first-ever World Cup points on its debut appearance in the tournament finals, and in its very first match.

Goalkeeper Bochinha of Cape Verde played a decisive role. The veteran goalkeeper, born in 1986, stopped all of Spain's sudden bursts of shooting. Spain took a staggering 27 shots on the day, with 7 on target. However, Bochinha kept the goal he guarded from being breached. Bochinha recorded seven saves, one clearance, and one victory in an aerial duel, frustrating the "Invincible Fleet" Spain.

Bochinha was selected as the Man of the Match (MOM), awarded to the best player of the game. Football statistics outlet FootMob also gave Bochinha the highest rating of 9.0 for both teams. Another statistics outlet, WhoScored.com, also awarded him the highest rating of 8.85.

After the match, Bochinha waved the Cape Verdean flag, sharing the emotion with fans. During a broadcast interview, he shed tears. However, those tears contained not only joy but also pain. Spanish outlet Diario AS introduced the heartbreaking story behind Bochinha's tears.

Bochinha said, "I had no choice but to cry. I was raised with my grandparents, but unfortunately, they could not come here." He added, "My mother was also not here due to visa issues and the costs that had to be paid. We were unable to resolve this in time." According to the UK Guardian, Bochinha's grandparents are believed to have passed away a few years ago.

However, it is clear that through this match, Bochinha has emerged as a national hero for Cape Verde. Spanish outlet AS described him as a "goalkeeper worth 50,000 euros (about 87 million won) who neutralized Spain," noting, "Bochinha's flawless performance ruined Spain's celebration in its first North American World Cup match. Spain failed to earn three points."

It continued, "Goalkeeper Josimar Dias, better known by the name Bochinha, showed what it means to surprise everyone by wearing gloves on the World Cup stage. Bochinha earned all the qualifications to become the MVP." It further praised, "His image soaring in front of the goal at Atlanta Stadium will remain as a scene remembered in World Cup history."

Bochinha also expressed overwhelming emotion over his performance and the draw against Spain. He said, "I am proud. It is an honor to be able to serve my beloved Jo Guk-eul (CEO). Our qualification for the World Cup was not easy. Through this match against Spain, our dream has become reality."

He continued, "I am proud of everyone involved in this World Cup. We worked hard for moments like this. I am 40 years old and was a player who did not debut professionally until I was 25. This is a tremendous gift for me."

Cape Verde, ranked 67th in the FIFA rankings, stepped onto the World Cup finals stage for the first time through this tournament. Cape Verde is an island nation located in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa. Comprising 15 islands, its land area is 4,033 square kilometers, about one twenty-fifth the size of Korea. Its population is only about 521,000. It also joined FIFA in 1986, making it a relatively less-known country among football fans.

However, Cape Verde secured its finals ticket by finishing first in Group D of the North American World Cup African qualifiers, defeating powerhouse Cameroon. Then, in its first match of the World Cup finals, it drew 0-0 against Spain, securing its first-ever World Cup points.

UK outlet The Guardian also highlighted Cape Verde's miracle. The outlet reported, "The whistle blew to end Cape Verde's first match in the World Cup finals, and they truly did it. What Cape Verde achieved was unbelievable. The small nation, making its World Cup debut, drew 0-0 against Spain, a favorite for the title and European champion."

It continued, "Coach Boubista said the whole world wanted to see who Cape Verde is and what kind of team it is. And indeed, the whole world watched. Coach Boubista said that qualifying for the World Cup is more than just football. It is music, it is culture, it is everything." It added, "This match was miraculous. It was the moment when the impossible became reality."

The Guardian also added, "This result will be remembered forever. It was a draw of pure joy, with incredible scenes unfolding. These were moments that will be remembered for a long time."

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*This content was translated by AI.