‘Our country, our people, our dream’: Vozinha’s emotional cry ahead of Cabo Verde’s clash with Lionel Messi’s Argentina

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (AP Photo) Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha delivered an emotional message of unity ahead of his country’s biggest game in football history, urging the island nation to stand together as the World Cup debutants prepare to face defending champions Argentina in the round of 32.The Blue Sharks have already captured the imagination of soccer fans by becoming the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup. Now that Lionel Messi’s Argentina stand in their way, the veteran goalkeeper has called on all Cape Verdeans to dream together.The 40-year-old took to social media on the eve of the historic clash to share an exciting message that reflected the significance 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 there will be more than just eleven players on the field, an entire nation.“Because tomorrow there are no islands. There is no distance. There are no borders. Tomorrow we are one. One people, one flag, one heart beating for Cape Verde.”“May our strength, our culture, our morabeza (spirit) and our courage be felt from the first to the last minute. Our country, our people, our dream.”

A voice inspires a dream World Cup journey

Cabo Verde’s remarkable run was built on resilience rather than star power.The tournament debutants advanced from 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 since Chile at the 1998 FIFA World Cup to reach the knockout stage after drawing all three of their group stage matches.Vozinha was at the heart of this success. The experienced goalscorer kept two clean sheets during the tournament and joined elite company in World Cup history.He became only the third goalkeeper to keep multiple clean sheets at a FIFA World Cup after turning 40, alongside England legend Peter Shilton and Italian great Dino Zoffo. Shilton remains the only goalkeeper with more to keep three clean sheets after 40 years.

Argentina is cautious despite the favorites tag

Standing between Cabo Verde and another piece of history are reigning world champions Argentina, led by captain Lionel Messi.Messi goes into the knockout clash in excellent form, with six goals to top the tournament’s Golden Boot table alongside France captain Kylian Mbappe. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also shared images from Argentina’s final training session as Lionel Scaloni’s side completed their preparations for the Round of 32 tie.Despite Argentina entering the competition as overwhelming favourites, Scaloni warned against underestimating the World Cup newcomers, insisting Cabo Verde will “make things difficult” for the defending champions.