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Cape Verde’s remarkable FIFA World Cup journey ended in heartbreak on Friday, but the tournament debutants left the global stage convinced they had inspired small nations to dream big.
The Blue Sharks pushed defending champions Argentina to the brink before suffering a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat in the last 32, with an own goal by Diney Borges in the 111th minute ending their historic run.
Defender Pico Lopes said Cape Verde had proved that determination and belief could help even the smallest nations compete with football’s elite.
“What we achieved, we wanted to show what was possible for small nations. With big hearts, that you can believe, and dream anything is possible,” Lopes said.
The island nation of just over 500,000 people, located off the west coast of Africa, impressed on its World Cup debut by drawing with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia before pushing Argentina to the limit in a thrilling knockout contest.
Goalkeeper Vozinha emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers, particularly after his player-of-the-match display against Spain in the opening group match. The 40-year-old said representing Cape Verde on football’s biggest stage had fulfilled a lifelong ambition.
“The World Cup means a lot to us because it is something we have wanted for a long time. We qualified and realised the dream, not just for me or the national team, but for the entire people of Cape Verde,” he said.
While disappointed not to progress, Vozinha praised his teammates for their resilience against the reigning world champions.
“We are very proud of everything we have achieved. My teammates were fantastic. We went out with our heads held high,” he added.
Argentina appeared to be cruising after Lionel Messi opened the scoring with his 20th World Cup goal, but Cape Verde twice fought back. Deroy Duarte levelled midway through the second half to force extra time, and after Lisandro Martinez restored Argentina’s lead, Sidny Lopes Cabral struck again to keep the dream alive before the decisive own goal.
Lopes, who plays club football for Shamrock Rovers in Ireland and was recruited to the Cape Verde national team through LinkedIn, said the squad had earned worldwide recognition for their country.
“When we qualified for the World Cup, we wanted to show that we belong here. Our performances throughout the tournament proved that we can compete with some of the best teams in the world,” he said.
“One of the pleasing things to come out of this World Cup is that nobody has to ask what Cape Verde is anymore. They know where we are on the map, they know what we’re like as a team, and we’ve shown the way for future generations.”
