Cape Verde has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the smallest nation to advance to the knockout stage of the World Cup. The team, representing a group of 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, will now face defending champions Argentina in the last 32.
Following their goalless draw with Saudi Arabia, players gathered on the pitch to watch the final moments of Spain’s victory over Uruguay. This result confirmed Cape Verde’s position as runners-up in Group H, leading to emotional celebrations among the team and supporters.
The team’s journey included an initial goalless draw against Spain, where 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha played a crucial role. They also secured a 2-2 draw with two-time World Cup winners Uruguay. Former Spain World Cup winner Juan Mata commented on the team’s consistent high-level performance across three games.
Diaspora and strategic planning
The success of the Blue Sharks is largely attributed to the decision by Cape Verde’s Football Federation (FCF) to integrate players from the country’s diaspora. Historical emigration, influenced by severe droughts and a seafaring tradition, has resulted in a significant population with Cape Verdean roots in various locations, including Rotterdam.
Fourteen of the 26-man World Cup squad were born abroad, with six originating from the Dutch port city. One such player, forward Dailon Livramento, who played for Casa Pia in Portugal’s Primeira Liga last season, scored the only goal in their crucial qualifying win against Cameroon.
Josina Freitas Fortes, a member of Cape Verde’s parliament, highlighted the FCF’s progress, attributing it to passion, commitment, and a clear technical plan. She noted that the current results are a product of consistent work and strong belief.
The recruitment of Dublin-born centre-back Roberto Lopes in 2019, reportedly via a business networking website, is a notable example of this strategy. Additionally, former Manchester United winger Bebe, who previously represented Portugal at under-21 level, was part of their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) squad.
Lopes expressed the team’s inner confidence, stating that their ability to compete with top teams is not fabricated but stems from an ongoing plan to elevate Cape Verde among the world’s major football nations.
Coaching stability and team resilience
A significant factor in Cape Verde’s performance is the stable leadership of coach Bubista, a former international who has been in charge since January 2020. The 56-year-old former centre-back has cultivated a well-organised team featuring a strong defence, technical midfielders, and skilled forwards.
Under Bubista, the team upset Ghana and drew with Egypt during their run to the quarter-finals at Afcon 2023, a tournament they debuted in only 10 years prior. Their discipline was evident in the goalless draw against Spain, where they conceded only one foul, the fewest by a team in a World Cup match since 1966.
Defender Sidny Lopes Cabral emphasised the team’s unity and consistent approach, stating that their style of play reflects their collective personality. Bubista himself highlighted the importance of showing the team’s identity, strength, unity, and resilience.
Bubista was recognised for his achievement in securing World Cup qualification by being named the continent’s coach of the year for 2025 by the Confederation of African Football. He had previously expressed his belief that the team had the potential to reach the World Cup, a prediction that has now materialised.
The coach hopes that Cape Verde’s achievements at the expanded tournament will inspire other underdog teams globally. He believes that football is a sport for everyone.
Looking ahead to Argentina
Cape Verde’s next challenge will be to face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Miami in the last 32 on Friday. Midfielder Deroy Duarte, who was named man of the match against Saudi Arabia, described the experience as dream-like.
He expressed happiness and the team’s intention to celebrate before focusing on the upcoming match against Argentina, acknowledging it will be tough but maintaining belief that anything is possible. Former Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Celtic, and Australia boss Ange Postecoglou praised Cape Verde’s story as embodying the spirit of the World Cup.
Former England and Manchester United defender Gary Neville suggested that those who doubted the expansion of the World Cup might reconsider their views after witnessing the enthusiasm of Cape Verdean fans. He highlighted the significance of a country with a population of 500,000 reaching the knockout phase, contrasting it with the exit of larger nations like Uruguay.
The match against Argentina is scheduled for Friday.
Source: bbc.com
