President José Maria Neves said the Blue Sharks had it in them to surprise the world.
The president of Cape Verde, José Maria Neves, predicts his country will defeat defending champions Argentina in the last 32 of the Fifa World Cup as the upstarts continue to “write their destiny”. His bold prediction has captured the imagination of football fans around the world, adding an extra layer of drama to what is already one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
“I think Cape Verde can beat Argentina 1-0,” he said in an exclusive interview with the BBC. His words were delivered with the calm confidence of a man who believes deeply in the potential of his nation.
“We are playing to win… when expectations are low regarding a team, and if that team has the urge to win, it is possible. A small nation like Cape Verde should make an effort to always do that – to permanently surprise people,” he said.
His comments come ahead of Friday’s clash between the Blue Sharks and Argentina’s national side, known as La Albiceleste, in Miami at 22:00 GMT. The match is a David-and-Goliath encounter that has captured the imagination of neutrals around the world.
This is the first ever World Cup for Cape Verde – a group of 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean – who have now made history a second time by becoming the smallest nation to reach the knockout stage. The achievement is all the more remarkable given the country’s population of just over 500,000, making it one of the smallest nations ever to compete at this level.
They achieved an incredible goalless draw in their opening game against Spain, where 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha was the hero, before a 2-2 draw with two-time World Cup winners Uruguay. Then came their goalless draw with Saudi Arabia on Saturday, which saw them finish as Group H runners-up after Spain’s win over Uruguay.
Now they face Lionel Messi’s Argentina, bringing with them a newfound reputation for shocking their opponents. The Blue Sharks have already proven that they cannot be taken lightly, and their defensive resilience has been the foundation of their success.
A nation’s dream
Sixty-three places separate the sides in the world rankings, with the South Americans rated the best side on the globe and Cape Verde only the 13th best in Africa, according to Fifa. On paper, the match appears to be a mismatch of epic proportions. But football is not played on paper, and Cape Verde have already shown that they are capable of defying expectations.
Cape Verde’s team has “100% faith, 100% hope, and it would completely sweat out its jersey. So, we have a 100% chance to win against Argentina,” the country’s president told the BBC in the capital, Praia. His confidence is infectious, and it reflects the mood of a nation that has been swept up in World Cup fever.
“We went to this World Cup to write our own destiny, which is, facing champions. So, we are going to face Argentina and Messi with the same determination, same will, and with a desire to win and reach the next phase,” he added.
His words echo those of Pedro Leitão Brito, Cape Verde’s coach more commonly known as Bubista, who at the weekend said “to us, nothing is impossible,” while draped in his country’s flag at a news conference. The image of the coach wrapped in the national flag has become an iconic symbol of the team’s journey.
“From the very beginning, we’ve said that one of the purposes we had was to show our country to the rest of the world,” Bubista said. “To be able to play Argentina and Messi in a phase like this is excellent for our country, regardless of the match itself.”
Midfielder Deroy Duarte has said he feels like he is “in a dream”, admitting that the tie against Argentina in the last 32 will be tough, “but let’s believe”. “Anything is possible.”
The underdog spirit
Cape Verde’s journey to the knockout stage has been nothing short of remarkable. The team, made up of players from clubs across Europe and Africa, has defied the odds at every turn. Their defensive organisation, combined with moments of individual brilliance, has made them a difficult side to break down.
The goalless draw against Spain was a masterclass in defensive discipline. Vozinha, the veteran goalkeeper, produced a series of stunning saves to keep the Spanish at bay. His performance earned him plaudits from around the world and cemented his status as a national hero.
The draw against Uruguay was even more impressive. Cape Verde came from behind twice to secure a point against a side that had won the World Cup twice. The resilience and fighting spirit shown by the Blue Sharks were qualities that had previously been associated with the game’s great underdogs.
The draw against Saudi Arabia was a more subdued affair, but it was enough to secure qualification. The result was greeted with scenes of jubilation in Cape Verde, where the population erupted in celebration.
A nation united
The World Cup has brought Cape Verde together in a way that few other events could. The islands, which are spread across the Atlantic Ocean, are united in their support for the Blue Sharks. Flags are flying from every window, and the streets are filled with the sounds of celebration.
President Neves has been at the forefront of the celebrations, using his position to rally the nation behind the team. His prediction of a 1-0 victory over Argentina is not just a statement of confidence; it is a reflection of the belief that Cape Verde can achieve anything.
But what happens if they lose? Cape Verde’s President Neves says there is no such thing as failure. “Regardless of the outcome, we will leave the World Cup with our heads high and with a sense of mission accomplished.”
A historic achievement
Regardless of the outcome against Argentina, Cape Verde have already made history. They have become the smallest nation to reach the knockout stage of the World Cup, surpassing the previous record held by Trinidad and Tobago. The achievement is a testament to the talent, determination, and resilience of the players and coaching staff.
The team’s success has also brought attention to Cape Verde as a country. The islands, known for their stunning beaches and vibrant culture, are now being talked about around the world. The World Cup has provided a platform for the nation to showcase its identity and its potential.
A message of hope
Cape Verde’s journey is a story of hope and possibility. It is a reminder that in football, as in life, anything is possible. The Blue Sharks have shown that with belief, hard work, and determination, even the smallest nations can compete with the best.
As the team prepares to face Argentina, the nation is behind them. The players know that they have already achieved something remarkable, and that whatever happens on Friday, they will leave the World Cup with their heads held high.
The match against Argentina is not just a football game; it is a celebration of the Cape Verdean spirit. It is a moment that will be remembered for generations, a moment when a small nation dared to dream and achieved the impossible.
