Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha delivered an emotional message of unity ahead of the biggest match in his country’s football history, urging the island nation to unite as the FIFA World Cup debutants prepare to face defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32.The Blue Sharks have captured the imagination of football fans by becoming the smallest nation to reach the knockout stages in FIFA World Cup. Now, with: Lionel MessiWith Argentina standing in their way, the veteran goalkeeper called on every Cape Verdean to dream together.Taking to social media on the eve of the historic clash, the 40-year-old shared an inspiring 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 eleven players, a whole nation will step on the pitch.“Because tomorrow, there are no islands. No distance. No borders. Tomorrow we are one. One person, one flag, one heart that beats for Cape Verde.“May our strength, our culture, our morabeza (spirit), and our courage be felt from the first to the last minute. Our land, Our people, Our dream.”
Vozinha inspires the dream trip to the World Cup
Cabo Verde’s incredible run was built on resilience rather than star power.The tournament debutants advanced 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 success also saw them become the first team since Chile in the 1998 FIFA World Cup to reach the knockout rounds after drawing all three games in the group stage.Vozinha is the center 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 more clean sheets in a FIFA World Cup after 40, along with England legend Peter Shilton and Italian great Dino Zoff. Shilton remains the only goalkeeper with more, having registered three clean sheets after the age of 40.
Argentina are cautious despite the favorites tag
Standing between Cabo Verde and the other side of history is reigning world champions Argentina, led by captain Lionel Messi.Messi leads the knockout clash in outstanding form, sitting joint-top of the tournament’s Golden Boot standings with six goals alongside the France captain Kylian Mbappe. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also shared pictures from Argentina’s final training session as Lionel Scaloni’s team completed preparations for the Round of 32 encounter.Despite Argentina entering the competition as heavy favourites, Scaloni warned against underestimating the World Cup newcomers, insisting that Cabo Verde will “make things difficult” for the defending champions.