Cape Verde President José Maria Neves believes his country’s remarkable World Cup journey is far from over, predicting the Blue Sharks will upset defending champions Argentina 1-0 in their Round of 32 showdown.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s knockout clash in Miami, Neves said Cape Verde has the belief, determination and fighting spirit needed to produce one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
“We are playing to win,” the president said, adding that when expectations are low, determined teams can surprise the world. He insisted the island nation had travelled to the tournament to “write its own destiny” and would approach Argentina with the same confidence shown throughout the competition.
Cape Verde is making its first-ever World Cup appearance and has already exceeded expectations by becoming the smallest nation to reach the knockout stage.
The Blue Sharks earned their place in the Round of 32 after a series of impressive performances in Group H, holding Spain to a goalless draw, drawing 2-2 with two-time champions Uruguay, and securing another 0-0 result against Saudi Arabia to finish as group runners-up.
Their reward is a meeting with world champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi. Despite a significant gap in FIFA rankings, Neves said his team has “100% faith, 100% hope” and believes it has every chance of progressing.
Cape Verde head coach Pedro “Bubista” Brito echoed that confidence, saying the team’s World Cup mission has always been to showcase the country on the global stage. He described facing Argentina and Messi as a proud moment for the nation and insisted that “nothing is impossible.”
Midfielder Deroy Duarte also admitted the challenge would be difficult but said the squad remains optimistic, stressing that “anything is possible” in football.
Whatever the outcome, President Neves said Cape Verde has already achieved something historic and will leave the tournament with pride, believing the team has accomplished its mission of inspiring the nation and introducing the country to the world stage.
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