New species named after Cape Verde keeper Vozinha
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has had a newly discovered species of sea slug named after him following his standout performance in the World Cup. This is the latest in a series of biological discoveries named after football players by biologist Jesus Ortea.
Why it matters
The intersection of sports celebrity and scientific taxonomy highlights the global cultural impact of major sporting events like the World Cup.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Vozinha made seven saves against Spain to preserve a clean sheet
After winning plaudits across the globe for his World Cup performances with Cape Verde, goalkeeper Vozinha has another honour - with a newly discovered species of sea slug being named after him.
The small red mollusc was discovered by biologist Jesus Ortea in the Caribbean, and he opted to name it after the 40-year-old star of the tiny nation's campaign.
Cape Verde are the second smallest nation to ever reach the World Cup finals. Having come through the group stage they took holders Argentina all the way before exiting the competition with a 3-2 extra-time defeat in the last 32.
Before then, Vozinha's heroics had seen them claim their first World Cup point in a goalless draw with European champions Spain.
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