The head coach of Cape Verde, Bubista, expressed his team’s belief that “shown that nothing is impossible” following their remarkable qualification to face Argentina in the knockout round of the World Cup.
This achievement marks Cape Verde as the smallest nation by population to reach this stage of the tournament, and they are the first debutants to do so since 2010. Their path included a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia in Houston, securing them a second-place finish in Group H, a remarkable feat considering they were seen as underdogs alongside Spain and Uruguay.
With three draws under their belt, Bubista spoke passionately while wrapped in his nation’s flag during the post-match press conference, highlighting the important precedent Cape Verde has set for other smaller nations in football.
“It’s us? I didn’t know that,” he remarked upon learning of the record they had achieved. “In that case we have become an example that small countries also can have big objectives provided they have focus, determination and work with organisation. We have shown that nothing is impossible. We have represented our country but we also represent Africa and small countries around the world. “I’ve always said that, sooner or later, Cape Verde would be on such a stage. Of course it’s hard to give that kind of forecast but we overcame several steps. We showed the world that you should not fear difficulties. Now we are in the knockout stage and it’s amazing for our people, for anyone who identifies with our team and especially for the players. They gave everything, and showed personality and discipline. When those come together you get this kind of outcome.”
He continued, emphasizing his long-held belief that Cape Verde would eventually reach such a significant stage.
“First of all we are proud to be able to play Argentina,”
As Bubista spoke, the celebrations of Cape Verde’s players could be heard echoing from the nearby dressing room. While he refrained from making grand predictions about their upcoming match against the reigning champions, Argentina, scheduled for Miami on Friday, he assured that they would approach the challenge with the same commitment demonstrated throughout the tournament.
“This is a country with which we have longstanding ties. But above all our will is to do things with our identity regardless of who the opponent is. We will play our game with attitude and responsibility, knowing that Argentina have some of the best players in the world plus Messi, who some believe is the best of all time. “It is a reason of joy. From the very beginning we said we had the opportunity to show our country to the rest of the world. It’s excellent for our country.” he stated. “We were very poor in terms of creating things, controlling the game and creating actions,”
“One cannot win a game in this way.”
On the other hand, Georgios Donis, the coach of Saudi Arabia and a former player with Blackburn, Huddersfield, and Sheffield United, expressed disappointment in his team’s performance. They ended their World Cup journey with only a single point and struggled to create opportunities. “We were very poor in terms of creating things, controlling the game and creating actions,” he reflected. “One cannot win a game in this way.”
