Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinho has delivered an emotional message of unity ahead of the biggest game in his country’s football history, encouraging the island nation to stick together as the FIFA World Cup debutants prepare to meet defending champions Argentina in the round of 16.The Blue Sharks have already captured the imagination of football fans by becoming the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout stages FIFA World Cup. Now, with Lionel MessiArgentina stands in their way, the veteran goalkeeper called on all Cape Verdeans to dream together.Ahead of the historic clash on social media, the 40-year-old shared a touching message that reflected the importance 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 just eleven players, the entire nation will take to 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 the Cape Verde Islands.“Let our strength, our culture, our morabeza (spirit) and our courage be felt from the first minute to the last. Our country, our people, our dream.”
Vozinha inspires a dream trip to the World Cup
Cabo Verde’s remarkable success was built on resilience, not star power.The tournament’s debutants progressed beyond the group stage without losing a game, holding European champions Spain to a goalless draw before holding a thrilling 2-2 draw against Uruguay and another 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia.Their achievement also made them the first team since Chile at the 1998 FIFA World Cup to reach the knockout round after drawing all three of their group stage matches.Vozinha was at the heart of that success. The experienced top-stopper kept two clean sheets during the tournament, joining elite company in World Cup history.He became only the third goalkeeper to record more clean sheets at the FIFA World Cup after turning 40, joining England legend Peter Shilton and Italian great Dino Zoff. Shilton remained the only goalkeeper with more, after registering three clean sheets after the age of 40.
Argentina were cautious despite a day of favourites
Standing between Cabo Verde and another piece of history are current world champions Argentina, led by captain Lionel Messi.Messi heads into the knockout tie in superb form, alongside the France captain alongside the top of the Golden Boot tournament with six goals Kylian Mbappe. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also shared pictures from Argentina’s final training session as Lionel Scaloni’s side completed preparations for the Round of 32 clash.Despite Argentina entering the competition as overwhelming favourites, Scaloni warned against underestimating the World Cup newcomers, insisting that Cabo Verde will “make things difficult” for the defending champions.
