Cape Verde has top-level quality, says goalkeeper Vozinha ahead of Argentina clash

Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha feels his teammates have demonstrated they can compete with the world's best, especially as they prepare to face reigning champions Argentina in the second round of the World Cup. The 40-year-old vice-captain achieved his second clean sheet of the tournament against Saudi Arabia on Friday, helping the African nation secure a surprising third straight draw and advance as Group H runners-up in their World Cup debut.

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We know we come from a small country, but we also know we came here to compete. 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.

Vozinha's earlier shutout against European champions Spain had garnered global media attention. However, he stressed that their fairytale run is a collective achievement, with the entire squad defying expectations. "We know we come from a small country, but we also know we came here to compete," Vozinha told reporters after 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."

He added, "Our players can play anywhere - in major competitions and in the biggest leagues." Cape Verde, a nation of approximately 500,000 inhabitants spread across 10 volcanic islands, is the least populous country ever to reach the World Cup knockout rounds. Vozinha shared that the key lesson for other small nations is to possess a clear identity.

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Our players can play anywhere - in major competitions and in the biggest leagues.

"I think we showed the resilience of the Cape Verdean people," he stated. "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."

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I think we showed the resilience of the Cape Verdean people. 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.

Vozinha's mother, Ana Candida Evora, was present in Houston to watch her son play. Their next match will be in Miami against Argentina in the round of 32. "I don't think any of us really dreamed this would happen, even though we knew we had a lot of quality," Vozinha admitted. "Qualifying for the next round is incredibly rewarding for us. For any player, facing Argentina and Lionel Messi is a dream." Despite his World Cup success, Vozinha is currently a free agent after his contract with Portuguese club Chaves expired.

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I don't think any of us really dreamed this would happen, even though we knew we had a lot of quality. Qualifying for the next round is incredibly rewarding for us. For any player, facing Argentina and Lionel Messi is a dream.