Matt Maher: Praise and ridicule in mixed week for World Cup veterans

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has never experienced anything like it.

The 40-year-old shot-stopper became one of the best stories of the opening week when he helped his country shut-out Spain in one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history, gaining millions of social media followers as a result.

Things are set to get even better now the US government, perhaps in an attempt to show it does still have a heart, has waived the £11,000 visa fee which means his mother will now be able to watch him in person for the rest of the tournament.

Somewhat less happy, you’d presume, is Luka Modric.

Broadcaster ITV spent a portion of the build-up to England v Croatia praising the midfielder’s awareness and vision.

Yet he seemed to have little clue Noni Madueke was right behind him before kicking his opponent to concede an early penalty, before he was then left all at sea during the Three Lions’ barrage to open the second half, eventually being substituted for his own well-being.

There have been few better players to watch than Modric over the past 20 years and his place as a modern great has long been assured.

Yet on Wednesday’s evidence, you couldn’t help but wonder whether this will prove a tournament too far.

For Cristiano Ronaldo, that point was passed several years ago.

It is worth remembering the forward’s last appearance in a serious league was for Manchester United at Villa in Unai Emery’s first match at the helm in November, 2022.

In 11 matches at major tournaments since, he has scored only once and even that was a penalty.

Yet here he still is, at the tender age of 41, leading the line in a Portugal team which you’d be tempted to place among the favourites to win the World Cup, were it possible to take them seriously.

The latter won’t ever be the case while their manager, Roberto Martinez, seemingly remains in thrall to a faded legend.

“It wouldn’t make sense to take off the best goalscorer in football history,” said Martinez after Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo.

History, I’m afraid dear Roberto, is the key word in this case.