Vozinha has become a cult hero after his performance against Spain, attracting millions of new followers on social media.

He has earned 91 caps for his country and currently plays club football for Chaves in Portugal’s second tier, after a career that has included spells in Slovakia, Angola, Moldova and Cyprus.

“I cried because I grew up with my grandparents,” said Vozinha following the goalless draw. “Unfortunately, they were not here. They died a few years before. They were everything to me, everything in my life.

“And also because of my mum. She didn’t manage to be here because of the visa. Because of the money you have to pay for the visa, we didn’t manage it in time. I would like her to be here.”

At 40 years and 12 days, Vozinha became the oldest player to appear in a nation’s debut World Cup match.

“I started playing professional football when I was 25 years old, in 2012. It was too late for a person like me,” he added.

“I thought about leaving the national team, but then I continued because of this dream.

Cape Verde face Uruguay on 21 June, followed by Saudi Arabia on 27 June in Group H.