Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha sent an emotional message of unity ahead of the biggest match in his country’s football history, urging the island nation to stick together as the FIFA World Cup debutants prepare to face defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32.The Blue Sharks have already captured the imagination of football fans by becoming the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup. Now, with Lionel MessiArgentina in its own way, the veteran goalkeeper asked all Cape Verdeans to dream together.Taking to social media on the eve of the historic meeting, the 40-year-old shared a message that reflects the meaning of the occasion.“Tomorrow, we take the field with the opportunity to continue writing one of the most beautiful chapters in the history of our sport and our country. But more than eleven players, a whole nation will enter the field.“Because tomorrow, there are no islands. There is no distance. There are no borders. Tomorrow we are one. One people, one flag, one heart that beats for Cape Verde.“That our strength, our culture, our morabeza (spirit), and our courage are felt from the first to the last minute. Our land, our people, our dream.”
Vozinha inspires a dream of the World Cup trip
Cape Verde’s amazing run has been built on resilience rather than star power.The tournament debutants progressed beyond the group stage without losing a match, holding European champions Spain to a goalless draw before producing a thrilling 2-2 draw against Uruguay and another 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia.Their success also saw them become the first team from Chile at the 1998 FIFA World Cup to reach the knockout rounds after drawing all three of their group stage games.Vozinha has been at the heart of that success. The experienced shot-stopper kept two clean sheets during the tournament, joining elite company in World Cup history.He became only the third goalkeeper to record multiple clean sheets in a FIFA World Cup after turning 40, alongside English legend Peter Shilton and Italian great Dino Zoff. Shilton remains the only goalkeeper with more, having recorded three clean sheets after the age of 40.
Argentina is cautious despite the favoritism tag
Between Cape Verde and another slice of history are the reigning world champions Argentina, led by captain Lionel Messi.Messi enters the knockout tie in outstanding form, sitting top of the tournament’s Golden Boot rankings with six goals alongside the France captain. Kylian Mbappé. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also shared images of Argentina’s latest training session as Lionel Scaloni’s side completed preparations for the Round of 32 clash.Despite Argentina entering the contest as heavy favourites, Scaloni warned against underestimating the World Cup newcomers, insisting Cabo Verde “will make things difficult” for the defending champions.
