Following a momentous achievement, Cape Verde’s head coach, Bubista, expressed that his team has demonstrated that “shown that nothing is impossible” after securing a remarkable matchup against Argentina in the knockout stage.
With their recent 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia in Houston, Cape Verde has become the smallest nation by population to reach the World Cup’s knockout rounds. This milestone also marks the first time since 2010 that debutants have advanced this far, especially notable as they were considered underdogs in a group that included powerhouse teams Spain and Uruguay.
Bubista’s squad advanced through the tournament with three draws. Draped in his nation’s flag during the post-match press conference, he articulated his pride in the standard Cape Verde has set for smaller nations in the footballing world.
“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 further added, “First of all we are proud to be able to play Argentina,”
As Bubista spoke, the sounds of celebration from Cape Verde’s players echoed from the nearby dressing room. While he refrained from making grand predictions about their chances against Argentina, the reigning champions, he assured that his team would take on the challenge with the same enthusiasm they have displayed 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 side, Georgios Donis, the head coach of Saudi Arabia and a former player for Blackburn, Huddersfield, and Sheffield United, expressed disappointment in his team’s performance. With just one point to show for their efforts, they struggled to create scoring opportunities. “We were very poor in terms of creating things, controlling the game and creating actions,” he lamented. “One cannot win a game in this way.”
