Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has issued a message of unity ahead of the biggest game in his country’s football history, urging the island nation to stand together as the FIFA World Cup champions prepare to face defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32.The Blue Sharks have already caught the attention of football fans by becoming the youngest country ever to reach the finals. FIFA World Cup. Now, it is Lionel MessiWith Argentina standing in their way, the former goalkeeper has asked every Cape Verdean to dream together.Taking to social media on the night of the debate, the 40-year-old shared a heartwarming message that highlighted the importance of the occasion.“Tomorrow, we have the opportunity to continue writing another exciting chapter in the history of our sport and our country. But more than eleven players, the whole world will be rising.“Because tomorrow there are no islands, there is no distance, there are no borders, tomorrow we are one, one people, one flag, one heart beats Cape Verde.“Let our strength, our culture, our morale (spirit), and our courage be heard from the first moment to the last moment. Our country, our people, our dreams.”
Vozinha promotes a dream World Cup trip
Cabo Verde’s incredible run was built on courage rather than star power.The hosts went through the group stage without losing a game, holding European champions Spain to a goalless lead before holding a thrilling 2-2 draw against Uruguay and a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia.Their win also saw them become the first team since Chile in the 1998 FIFA World Cup to reach the final after drawing all three of their group games.Vozinha has been at the heart of that success. The experienced shot-stopper has kept two clean sheets in the tournament, joining the elite company in World Cup history.He became only the third goalkeeper to record multiple clean sheets at the FIFA World Cup after turning 40, along with England legend Peter Shilton and Italy great Dino Zoff. Shilton is the only player to score more goals, having registered three clean sheets after turning 40.
Argentina is smart even for tag fans
Standing in the middle of Cabo Verde is another piece of history and reigning national champions Argentina, led by captain Lionel Messi.Messi enters the box office in good form, sitting top of the Golden Boot race with six goals alongside the France captain. Kylian Mbappe. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also shared photos of the final training session in Argentina as Lionel Scaloni’s team completed their preparations for the Round of 32 tournament.Although Argentina entered the tournament as favourites, Scaloni has warned against underestimating the World Cup newcomers, insisting that Cabo Verde will “make things difficult” for the defending champions.
