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Cape Verde celebrates historic World Cup advancement
🇩🇰 Denmark /Sports

Cape Verde celebrates historic World Cup advancement

From Berlingske · () Danish

Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Cape Verde celebrated a historic advancement to the knockout stage of the World Cup after a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia.
  • The small island nation, participating in its first World Cup, will face defending champions Argentina in the round of 16.
  • Coach Bubista expressed pride in the team's fight, emphasizing that "nothing is impossible" for their small country.

Cape Verde's national team players erupted in celebration Saturday night, Danish time, after an unexpected advancement to the final rounds of the World Cup. A 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia secured the small island nation's passage to the round of 16 in their first-ever World Cup appearance.

We had in the back of our minds that many countrymen were staying awake at home in Cape Verde to follow the match, and we believed we could advance.

— BubistaThe Cape Verde coach explained the team's motivation during their crucial match.

They are now set to face defending world champions Argentina. "We had in the back of our minds that many countrymen were staying awake at home in Cape Verde to follow the match, and we believed we could advance," said coach Bubista. "We are proud to have reached this point, and once again we have shown the world that even though we are a small country, we fight to achieve what we want. For us, nothing is impossible."

We are proud to have reached this point, and once again we have shown the world that even though we are a small country, we fight to achieve what we want. For us, nothing is impossible.

— BubistaCoach Bubista reflected on the significance of their World Cup advancement.

Midfielder Deroy Duarte struggled to comprehend the achievement. "I feel like I'm living in a dream," he said. "Ever since I was a child, I always dreamed of playing at a World Cup. From tomorrow, we will focus on the next match." Duarte acknowledged the upcoming challenge against Argentina, stating, "It will be a tough game, but let's believe in it. Everything is possible."

I feel like I'm living in a dream.

— Deroy DuarteMidfielder Deroy Duarte expressed his disbelief at reaching the World Cup knockout stage.

Cape Verde had already shown a strong performance in their earlier group matches, securing a 0-0 draw against Spain and a 2-2 draw against Uruguay. Despite the goalless draw in their final group game against Saudi Arabia, the three points were enough to secure second place in the group behind Spain. The players and coaches celebrated wildly after the final whistle, following the results of Spain's match against Uruguay on their mobile phones.

Ever since I was a child, I always dreamed of playing at a World Cup. From tomorrow, we will focus on the next match.

— Deroy DuarteDuarte shared his lifelong ambition and focus on the upcoming game.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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