Mauritania game plan not a surprise to Cape Verde says Vozinha

According to veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, the Blue Sharks had expected their round of 16 opponent to be measured as the underdogs in the tie. 

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The keeper believes it was through patient build ups as well as forcing errors that Cape Verde eventually broke the deadlock. 

“It's normal, we know what we could expect - they are a really good team. They work a lot and they run a lot, they were waiting for us to make a mistake and do the counter attack,'' said Vozinha. 

As the tournament reaches the knockout stages, the teams become more cautious, however one of them has to take charge adds Vozinha. 

''But the team was really great, we waited for the moment and it was the penalty, but we were fighting to score a long time ago. Thanks to all of the guys, but we know - any mistake or anything we can go out,'' added Vozinha.

In the end, he is convinced their team chemistry would have prevailed despite being frustrated by Mauritania. 

''So, we were just waiting for the right moment, if it was not  within the 90 minutes - we know we were in a good state to score. This is about the team spirit and team work,'' he concluded.

The 37-year-old remains one of two players along with captain Mendes to have been part of the squad that reached the quarterfinals a decade ago in South Africa, but Vozinha insists they are taking as it comes.