Cape Verde has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the smallest nation to advance to the knockout stage in their debut World Cup appearance. 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 around a mobile phone on the pitch. They watched the final moments of Spain’s victory over Uruguay, a result that confirmed Cape Verde as Group H runners-up. Rob Law, a commentator, described the scene in Houston as filled with tears of pride and joy, both on the pitch and in the stands.
This achievement follows an impressive goalless draw in their opening match against Spain, where 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha was a key player. They also secured a 2-2 draw against two-time World Cup winners Uruguay. Former World Cup winner Juan Mata commented on the team’s performance, noting their consistent high level across three games.
The Diaspora’s Role in Success
A significant factor in the Blue Sharks’ success is the decision by Cape Verde’s football federation (FCF) to integrate players from the country’s diaspora. Strong ties to Portugal, alongside a history of emigration due to severe droughts and a seafaring tradition, have led to a notable population with Cape Verdean roots in places like Rotterdam.
Of their 26-man World Cup squad, fourteen players 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 crucial goal in their qualifying win against Cameroon last September.
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 stated that the current results are a product of consistent work, strong belief, and dedication.
The recruitment of Dublin-born centre-back Roberto Lopes in 2019 via a business networking website is a well-known story. Additionally, former Manchester United winger Bebe was part of their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) squad, having previously represented Portugal at under-21 level. Lopes expressed the team’s inner confidence, stating their belief in their ability to compete with top international teams, a goal that has been part of an ongoing plan.
Coaching Stability and Team Identity
Much of the credit for Cape Verde’s performances is given to coach Bubista, a former international who has led the team since January 2020. His stable coaching tenure has allowed him to build a well-organised side featuring a strong defence, technical midfielders, and skilled forwards.
Under Bubista’s guidance, the team upset Ghana and drew with Egypt during their run to the quarter-finals at Afcon 2023, a tournament they first debuted in 10 years prior. While Vozinha’s seven saves were crucial in the goalless draw with Spain, the team’s discipline was also evident, conceding only one foul against the 2010 champions, the fewest recorded by a team in a World Cup match since 1966.
Defender Sidny Lopes Cabral emphasised the team’s unity and playing style, stating that their approach is their inherent game and personality. In their second Group H match against Uruguay, Cape Verde adopted a more attacking strategy, demonstrating their resolve by securing a second-half equaliser. Bubista noted that showcasing their team identity, strength, unity, and resilience was more important than the result.
Bubista was recognised for his role in securing World Cup qualification, being named the continent’s coach of the year by the Confederation of African Football. He has consistently believed in his team’s potential to compete with the world’s elite, having previously stated his expectation for Cape Verde to reach the World Cup. This prediction has now come to fruition, and Bubista hopes their achievements will inspire other underdog teams globally, asserting that football is for everyone.
Cape Verde’s reward for their historic run is a match against 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 surreal, feeling like he was in a dream. He expressed his happiness and urged all Cape Verdeans to celebrate, while also looking ahead to the challenging match against Argentina with belief that anything is possible.
Former football manager Ange Postecoglou commented on the significance of Cape Verde’s story for the World Cup, highlighting how football connects every part of the globe. Former defender Gary Neville suggested that sceptics of the expanded World Cup might reconsider their views after witnessing the scenes surrounding Cape Verde’s advancement. He noted the special moment for a country of 525,000 people reaching the knockout phase, especially as one of the smallest teams made it while larger nations like Uruguay exited the tournament.
Source: bbc.com