MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Cape Verde’s remarkable FIFA World Cup debut came to a heartbreaking end on Friday, but the tournament’s smallest nation departed the global stage with admiration after pushing defending champions Argentina to extra time before falling 3-2 in the Round of 32.
The Blue Sharks, playing in their first-ever World Cup, stunned the football world by advancing from a group featuring Spain and Uruguay before coming within minutes of one of the greatest upsets in tournament history against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, was once again the hero for Cape Verde, producing a string of spectacular saves to frustrate Messi and keep his side in the contest for more than two hours before Argentina eventually prevailed.
“We have dignified Cape Verde as a national team in most parts of the world,” Vozinha said. “Today, we fought on an equal footing against Argentina.”
Messi’s record-extending 20th World Cup goal gave Argentina the lead, but Cape Verde twice battled back before the Argentine captain’s corner in extra time led to the decisive goal that ended the African nation’s dream run.
Vozinha delivered one of the tournament’s finest goalkeeping displays, denying Messi repeatedly in the second half and extra time, including a point-blank stop, two outstanding free-kick saves and another diving save from the edge of the penalty area.
“He’s a quality, quality goalkeeper,” defender Pico Lopes said. “Probably hasn’t gotten the recognition he deserves before this. He’s a legend in Cape Verdean football.”
Cape Verde coach Bubista praised his players for standing toe-to-toe with the reigning world champions.
“Argentina are world champions and have one of the best players in the world,” Bubista said. “We’re here for the first time and we want to keep evolving so we can have more opportunities to face the biggest teams.”
Cape Verde became one of the biggest surprises of the expanded 48-team tournament after opening with a goalless draw against Spain before earning draws against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to secure a historic place in the knockout stage.
Their success was built largely on the performances of Vozinha, whose inspiring story included the emotional arrival of his mother in the United States to watch him play after supporters helped overcome travel difficulties.
Despite exiting the tournament, Cape Verde leaves with far more than the $11 million awarded by FIFA for reaching the Round of 32.
The island nation of just over half a million people captured the imagination of football fans worldwide with its fearless performances and resilient spirit.
“Nobody has to ask where Cape Verde is now,” Lopes said. “They know where we are.”
Source: Saudi Gazette