Online Reporter
THE girlfriend of Cape Verde hero Sidny Cabral became a viral star after the thriller against Argentina.
Minnows Cape Verde took the reigning champions to the wire in their last 16 thriller — which ended 3-2. Tottenham’s Cristian Romero headed the winner in the second-half of extra-time but only after Cabral’s stunning leveller.
He cut in from the left and curled a beauty into the top corner — running into the stands to embrace with his partner Jayley da Cruz.
The Trabzonspor full-back refused to get back on the field until he got to hug Jayley.
Images of the moment went viral across the globe — both for the stunning goal and heartwarming celebrations. Jayley’s Instagram follower count immediately shot up to over 137,000, and she posted a gushing tribute to her partner on social media.She wrote: “I’ve always known what you’re capable of, but seeing the whole world witness it too is something I’ll never forget.
“I don’t think my face could hide how shocked I was. I know how much you’ve sacrificed and how hard you’ve worked to get here. That’s why this moment means so much more than just a goal.
“I’m so proud of the man you are, both on and off the pitch. No one deserves this more than you. I’ll forever be your biggest fan through every high and low. I love you.”
Lionel Messi opened the scoring on the half hour mark before Deroy Duarte equalised 15 minutes after the break. The game went into extra-time and Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez thought he had rifled home the winner on 92 minutes. But just before the first half of extra-time ended, Cabral curled in his dream goal.
It was heartbreak in the end after Messi’s corner was nodded home — via a Cape Verde head— by Romero to settle what has been dubbed one of the greatest World Cup matches ever.
Cabral started his career playing in Germany and Portugal, where he signed for Benfica in January. But before heading off to the World Cup, he joined Turkish outfit Trabzonspor.
His partner Jayley meanwhile studied Applied Sciences at The Hague University in the Netherlands. But she now appears to support her boyfriend’s professional football career full-time. —Sun
