Cape Verde head coach, Bubista, has hailed his team’s remarkable achievement of reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage, insisting they have proved that “nothing is impossible” after setting up a last-32 clash with Argentina.
The Blue Sharks continued their fairytale debut campaign by holding Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw in Houston, a result that secured second place in Group H behind Spain and ahead of Uruguay.
The achievement made Cape Verde the smallest nation by population ever to reach the World Cup knockout rounds and the first debutants since 2010 to advance beyond the group stage.
Speaking after the historic feat, an emotional Bubista, wrapped in Cape Verde’s national flag throughout his press conference, expressed pride in what his team had accomplished for their country, Africa and smaller footballing nations worldwide.
“It’s us? I didn’t know that,” he said after being told of the record they had broken. “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.”
Cape Verde progressed from the group phase without winning a match, collecting three draws to seal an unlikely place among the tournament’s final 32 teams. Jubilant celebrations from the players could be heard from the dressing room while Bubista addressed the media.
The Cape Verde boss now faces perhaps the toughest challenge of the tournament, with reigning world champions Argentina awaiting his side in Miami on Friday.
Despite the magnitude of the task, Bubista said his players would remain true to their identity.
“First of all we are proud to be able to play Argentina,” he said. “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.”
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia head coach Georgios Donis cut a disappointed figure after seeing his team bow out of the competition with just one point from three matches.
The former Blackburn Rovers, Huddersfield Town and Sheffield United winger admitted his side failed to produce the performance required to stay in the tournament.
“We were very poor in terms of creating things, controlling the game and creating actions,” he said. “One cannot win a game in this way.”
