The event "Beyond the Field – U.S.-China Business, AI, and Global Collaboration" was held in New York on July 20, local time in the United States. The "Cape Verde goalkeeper" who shone at the World Cup, Josimar José Évora Dias (nicknamed Vozinha), attended as a special guest.

At this World Cup, the Cape Verde team created a miracle by successfully advancing to the final 32 and even held the world champion Spain to a draw in their opening match, becoming a global focus. In the eyes of many, this small nation with limited resources and not favored by data and algorithms created a football surprise. In Vozinha's view, this miracle stems from long-term perseverance and hard work.

He admitted that Cape Verde is a country with limited development conditions and scarce sports resources, offering few opportunities for local football development. However, the inherent resilience and fighting spirit of the Cape Verdean people have never stopped them from chasing their dreams.

"Many people are curious about what Cape Verdeans are like. We are a nation that never gives up and strives wholeheartedly for our dreams. We are immensely proud of our achievement in qualifying for the World Cup and want to prove to the world that even a small country can create its own great accomplishments. I have always believed that if we had more opportunities and better training and development conditions, we could do even better and achieve more remarkable results."

Vozinha stated that regardless of facing top football powerhouses with star players and resources from elite leagues, the Cape Verdean players always focus on the game and give their all. In his view, every match the team plays has long transcended mere competition; it is not only for honor on the field but also for national dignity, cultural pride, and the expectations of all its citizens. In the match against Spain, the team strictly executed their tactical plan, playing with focus and determination to showcase their style, proving to the world that a small land can harbor immense energy.

Addressing the "unpredictable dark horse" label given by outsiders that AI could not forecast, Vozinha responded that the team actually has no so-called secret to success. Their breakthrough and miracle were never accidental but the result of years of persistence and effort. The glory of this team belongs to everyone. "The core that has supported us to this point is unparalleled team spirit and a determined attitude to face challenges head-on. No matter the opponent or situation, we always respond positively, stay united, and never back down," he said.

He explained that football technology development in Cape Verde is relatively lagging, with digital tools like AI match analysis and pre-game preparation not yet widespread, while many countries, including China, already widely use AI technology to empower the sports industry. He hopes the country can address this technological gap in the future, using digital tools to aid football development. However, he also noted that football originates from the streets. "We learned to play football on the streets, so for us, I think this also helps us better understand its meaning," he said.

What drives us forward is also the purest love for football and the deepest loyalty to our homeland. In the past, few people knew about Cape Verde, but through this World Cup, the whole world now knows this name. I want to tell everyone that this honor does not belong to me personally, nor to just a few players; it belongs to all of Cape Verde. This team represents our country and our people.

At the same time, he firmly believes that artificial intelligence cannot define the essence of football. On the field, everything changes in an instant. Every pass, defensive move, and attack requires split-second judgment and on-the-spot decisions. No matter how advanced the AI or how precise the data, it cannot replace a player's form on the day, their fighting will, team chemistry, and determination on the pitch. This is the core reason why a small nation's team can break through limitations and create miracles.

Speaking about the match against Argentina, Vozinha said they lost only due to a detail on a set piece, and their overall performance was not inferior. "Although the result was not ideal, we gave everything we had. Everyone should be proud of themselves and this team. I often tell my teammates that we can fall, but we must fall upward, standing towards the sun. A loss never means failure," he said.

He also mentioned that being able to compete on the same field as a football legend like Lionel Messi is an honor for any player. The charm of football lies in mutual respect and legacy, and we always hold every great player in high esteem.

Vozinha also addressed the "jersey rumor." He admitted that most players wanted to swap jerseys with Messi, but he did not get the chance. "A friend of mine was lucky enough to swap jerseys with him, and I am happy for him."

According to foreign media reports, Messi had previously agreed to swap jerseys with Vozinha in the players' tunnel. However, because Vozinha performed brilliantly on the field, he was taken away for media interviews after the match and missed the opportunity.

It is reported that Vozinha's career is full of inspirational moments. He did not receive a formal professional contract until the age of 25. Coming from a small country with scarce opportunities never extinguished his football dream. "I choose to never give up and bravely chase great dreams," he concluded.

As Vozinha was born in the Chinese Year of the Tiger, after his speech, the CEO presented him with a Year of the Tiger-themed doll. Furthermore, the CEO displayed a long trending topics poster listing all the hot search topics about Vozinha and sincere messages from Chinese fans on the Weibo platform. "It carries our shared passion and memories from this summer. We hope you like it."

Lenovo Group Chairman and CEO Yang Yuanqing prepared a sleek laptop for Vozinha. "This computer might be helpful to you, providing better technical support for the team," he said.

Vozinha prepared his signed goalkeeper gloves as a gift in return.