Vozinha emerged as one of the standout names from Cabo Verde’s battle with Argentina, even in a match that ended with Lionel Messi on the scoresheet and the Albiceleste eventually winning in extra time. The veteran goalkeeper said the experience against Messi came with respect, but also with the belief that his team had to stay focused on its own game.
“A great respect to Messi and all the Argentina players. But when we step on the field, we know the quality of the opponent, but we have to be focused on ourselves and what our team can do,” Vozinha said. “Unfortunately we could not win, but now it is about seeing the future and I hope our national team achieves greater things.”
How the match unfolded
Messi opened the scoring and reached his 20th World Cup goal, while Deroy Duarte later equalized for Cabo Verde to send the match into extra time. Lisandro Martínez put Argentina back in front in the added period, but Sidny Cabral responded with a superb equalizer before an own goal from Diney Borges after an aerial duel with Romero settled the result.
| Key moment | Player involved | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Opening goal | Lionel Messi | Reached 20 World Cup goals |
| Equalizer | Deroy Duarte | Sent the match to extra time |
| Argentina back in front | Lisandro Martínez | Restored the lead in extra time |
| Second Cabo Verde equalizer | Sidny Cabral | Kept Cabo Verde alive briefly |
| Decisive goal | Diney Borges | Scored an own goal after the aerial challenge |
Vozinha’s rise and Brazil possibility
His performance pushed the Cabo Verde goalkeeper into the global spotlight, and he is currently without a club after leaving Chaves in Portugal. At 40, he did not commit to a next destination, but he left the door open for a move to Brazil.
“My focus was the World Cup, the national team. There are rumors, but nothing concrete. I am open to everything, playing in Brazil would be very good, after all the affection I have received from the Brazilian people,” Vozinha said. “I think we will see, if it happens, it will be very good. But I am a professional player, where there are the best conditions, I am open.”
According to www.uol.com.br, those strong displays helped put the goalkeeper under the spotlight as interest in his future began to grow. For now, Vozinha remains available and has made clear that Brazil would be a welcome option if the right opportunity comes along.
