When the final whistle sounded at Atlanta Stadium, the cameras found Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha — tears running freely down his face, overwhelmed by the enormity of what his team had just accomplished.

Around him, thousands of Cape Verde supporters erupted in celebration. On the pitch, players sprinted toward one another in pure joy. Even neutral spectators had been drawn in — by full-time, many were celebrating alongside the Cape Verde faithful.

Facing World Cup favourites and European champions Spain, the 40-year-old veteran had produced the performance of his life: seven crucial saves, a clean sheet, and the most significant result in Cape Verde's footballing history.

Tears for those who could not be there

Named player of the match, Vozinha — born Josimar Dias — spoke with raw emotion about those missing from the moment.