Cape Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha: 'We Have Proven We Can Compete at the Highest Level'

Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha declared that his team has demonstrated its quality and capacity to compete at the highest level of world football. This assertion follows the team's historic achievement of reaching the 2026 World Cup round of 32 in their debut tournament appearance.

"Perhaps many thought Cape Verdean players were not good enough, but we came here to show that we truly have quality and can compete. Our players can play anywhere, including in major competitions and the best leagues in the world," Vozinha told reporters after the match against Saudi Arabia, as quoted by CnA on Saturday.

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Perhaps many thought Cape Verdean players were not good enough, but we came here to show that we truly have quality and can compete. Our players can play anywhere, including in major competitions and the best leagues in the world.

Tanjung Verde secured their place in the knockout stage as Group H runners-up by drawing 0-0 with Saudi Arabia. This result marked their third consecutive draw, enough to see the African representatives advance. The 40-year-old goalkeeper recorded his second clean sheet, helping Cape Verde hold European champions Spain to a goalless draw earlier in the group stage.

Despite the international media attention on his impressive performances, Vozinha stressed that Cape Verde's success is a collective triumph. "The success of Cape Verde is not the result of one individual, but the fruit of the struggle of all team members who have surpassed various predictions," he stated. The team is now set to face defending champions Argentina in the round of 32.

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The success of Cape Verde is not the result of one individual, but the fruit of the struggle of all team members who have surpassed various predictions.