Cape Verde Coach: 'Small Teams Can Make History at World Cup'
Coach Bubista help Cape Verde reach World Cup knockout stage. Smallest nation ever. Success inspire other small countries.
Cape Verde draw Saudi Arabia 0-0 in final Group H match June 26. Spain beat Uruguay 1-0. African team finish second with three points. Beat Uruguay, Saudi Arabia by one point. Advance to round of 16.
Coach Bubista hold Cape Verde flag, celebrate with fans after 0-0 draw Saudi Arabia, final Group H match World Cup 2026, Houston, Texas, US, June 26. Photo: AP
First World Cup for Cape Verde. Population 525,000. Island nation off West Africa coast become smallest population in men's World Cup knockout stage.
Cape Verde play champions Argentina next, Group J winner, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, July 3. "Play Argentina pride," Bubista say. "Long connection with Argentina. Many Cape Verdeans migrate there. Play with right attitude, responsibility."
Coach say Argentina have best players, including Lionel Messi. "Know difficulties ahead. Try to overcome. No fear. Need discipline."
Bubista say Cape Verde journey prove small nations make miracles. Need focus, determination, organization. "Prove nothing impossible. Represent country, Africa, small nations with big dreams."
Coach, 56, wear Cape Verde flag at press conference. Team follow plan against Saudi Arabia. Limit counter-attacks, create more chances. Keep balance during attack. Play with identity, no fear. Show team character.
Goalkeeper Vozinha, forward Dailon Livramento celebrate round of 16 spot after 0-0 draw Saudi Arabia, final Group H match World Cup 2026, Houston, June 26. Photo: AP
Goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, star with two clean sheets. Admit Cape Verde small country, big heart, fight hard. "People think Cape Verde players not good. We prove quality, play big tournaments."
After whistle, Cape Verde wait for Spain - Uruguay result. Uruguay lose, out. Team, fans celebrate. Many cry on stands after historic milestone.
Cape Verde set milestones. First debutant pass group stage since Slovakia 2010. First debutant unbeaten in three group games since Senegal 2002.
Bubista team draw title contender Spain 0-0 in opener. Draw Uruguay 2-2. Draw Saudi Arabia. Nine games unbeaten all competitions.
Bubista say team believe in history after first game. Before World Cup 2026, say: "Everyone right to dream."
After reach knockout stage, say never doubt Cape Verde potential. "Always say Cape Verde be here sooner or later. Hard to predict now, but always believe day come."
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