Cape Verde drew with Saudi Arabia 0-0 in their final group stage match of the FIFA World Cup, and goalkeeper Vozinha was interviewed after the match in FIFA's mixed zone.

First, congratulations to you.

Thank you very much.

This is truly a remarkable achievement. Cape Verde is the second-smallest country to participate in the FIFA World Cup, and in just over a week, you'll face Argentina, the defending champions. Did you ever imagine all of this, or are you still struggling to believe it's happening?

None of us ever really imagined we'd experience this. But we always believed in our abilities. When we came to the World Cup, many people probably thought we wouldn't win a single game. But we're a very strong team with many excellent players.

Advancing today is extremely satisfying for us. As for facing Argentina, I think it will be incredible. For any player, to play against Argentina, especially to face Messi, is a dream.

What was the main discussion in the dressing room at halftime? You were protecting a draw and close to advancing, so there must have been some tension. What did the coaching staff communicate? Can you tell us? And as Brazilian journalists, we'd like to know if any Brazilian clubs have contacted you. Do you have any contact with Brazilian clubs at the moment?

First, I want to clarify that we weren't playing for a draw in the second half. From the start of the match, we were trying to win. We knew it wouldn't be easy—Saudi Arabia is a strong and experienced team. We tried everything to score but didn't manage it.

Advancing was certainly satisfying, but we also wanted to score and win. I think everyone could see we had more intensity on the pitch, more possession, and created more chances. But we couldn't find another goal in this match. Still, everyone deserves praise. As for clubs, I don't have any news right now. I'm currently a free agent, and I hope opportunities will come soon.

How did you feel when you saw Uruguay lose and your qualification confirmed?

We were very happy. This means a lot to us. We come from a small country, but we came here to compete. Our national team has many talented players. Perhaps many people thought Cape Verde players weren't good enough, but we came here to prove our strength. We came here to compete. Our players are fully capable of making a name for themselves in major tournaments and top leagues.

Congratulations to your national team on this success. What can other small countries learn from Cape Verde?

I think the most important thing is love and passion for your country. We've gone through many hardships growing up. Our grandparents and parents sacrificed so much to raise us, and we're grateful for that. So I believe we've shown the resilience of Cape Verdean people and the love we have for our nation. We're not just here as players, but as representatives of Cape Verdeans around the world. Our country is small, but our hearts are strong, and we are fighters.

Yesterday, when you arrived at the hotel, a child saw you and cried with excitement. Perhaps this is the important message Cape Verde is sending in this World Cup—moving people and touching the hearts of your people. Is this the meaning you want to convey?

These moments are truly touching. When a child cries in front of us, that feeling is hard to put into words. Perhaps we're here to be role models for children—and not just children, but adults too. From now on, there will be Cape Verdean role models, Cape Verdean players, so that kids can say, "One day I want to be like Stopira, Ryan Mendes, or other Cape Verdean players." That's something truly heartfelt.

Congratulations on your qualification. I just spoke with fans outside, and they're all excited because you're making history. I'd like to bring this back to Brazil—your connection to Brazil, your name, and your story. Have you been inspired by Brazil, or is there something you'd like to take forward? At the same time, do you have a message for Brazil?

First, thank you to all our friends in Brazil for their support. We feel their encouragement and enthusiasm. What we want to convey is the spirit of fighting and team unity. We will do everything to defend the honor and pride of our country.

Brazilian fans have shown their enthusiasm once again, not just for me but for the whole team. We hope to repay this support on the pitch with commitment and unity, and to show our strength.

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