HOUSTON — Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha says his teammates have proven they belong among the world’s elite after the small African nation pulled off a stunning run to the knockout stage of the World Cup, setting up a second-round clash with world champions Argentina.
The 40-year-old vice-captain recorded his second shutout of the tournament on Friday against Saudi Arabia, as Cape Verde completed an unlikely third straight draw to advance from Group H as runners-up — an extraordinary achievement on their very first World Cup appearance.
Vozinha’s first clean sheet came against European champions Spain, a result that put him in front of cameras around the globe. But the veteran goalkeeper has been consistent in pointing out that this remarkable journey belongs to the entire squad, not just one player.
“We know we come from a small country, but we also know we came here to compete,” he told reporters following the Saudi Arabia match.
“There is a lot of quality in our national team. Maybe many of you think Cape Verdeans are not good enough, but we came here to show that we have real quality and that we are here to compete.”
“Our players can play anywhere — in major competitions and in the biggest leagues,” he added.
Cape Verde, an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands home to roughly 500,000 people, has now become the least populous country in history to reach the World Cup’s knockout rounds. Vozinha said the message to other small nations is to develop a strong, clear identity.
“I think we showed the resilience of the Cape Verdean people,” he said. “We showed the passion we have for our country, and we also showed that we are here to represent not just the players, but all Cape Verdeans.”
“We may be small, but we have big hearts, and we are fighters. We are fighters,” he declared.
Vozinha had special support in the stands Friday — his mother was in Houston to watch him play for the second time at this World Cup, after U.S. officials stepped in to help facilitate her entry into the country.
Ana Candida Evora will next watch her son play in Miami, where Cape Verde will put their six-match unbeaten streak on the line against Argentina in the round of 32 on Friday.
“I don’t think any of us really dreamed this would happen, even though we knew we had a lot of quality,” Vozinha said. “Qualifying for the next round is incredibly rewarding for us. For any player, facing Argentina and Lionel Messi is a dream.”
Despite his impressive performances on the world stage, Vozinha currently has no club to return to. His contract with Portuguese second-division side Chaves ran out at the end of last season, leaving him a free agent.
“I’m currently a free agent. I hope something comes up soon,” he said.
