Cape Verde's Lopes happy jersey swap with Spain did not work out

Cape Verde defender Roberto Lopes expressed relief at not swapping his jersey after his team's unexpected 0-0 draw against Spain in their World Cup debut. Lopes, who typically avoids exchanging shirts, had considered breaking his habit for the tournament but ultimately decided against it when his intended swap didn't materialize.

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I think I've had a word with myself in this tournament and I said, 'Do you know what, I'm going to break that sort of rule'.

"To be fair, that Cape Verde jersey, my first-ever World Cup jersey, that will be going back to Kilnamanagh. I'm glad I didn't swap it," Lopes told reporters. He described the draw as a significant achievement for the team, highlighting their defensive strategy and the exceptional performance of their 40-year-old goalkeeper, Vozinha.

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I looked to swap the striker (Mikel) Oyarzabal's jersey, and my defensive counterpart got there before me. After that I thought, it's not meant to be, it's not what I do.

Spain dominated possession but struggled to break down Cape Verde's organized defense. Lopes acknowledged the challenge, stating, "We knew going into the game we'd be up against it." He credited the team's resolute defending and Vozinha's crucial saves for securing the point against the favored European champions.

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To be fair, that Cape Verde jersey, my first-ever World Cup jersey, that will be going back to Kilnamanagh. I'm glad I didn't swap it.

The defender also reflected on the surreal experience of the match and the immediate aftermath. Despite family being present, the hectic World Cup schedule meant a quick departure for the airport. The full impact of their achievement only hit him later, as he contemplated the draw while in transit.

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We knew going into the game we'd be up against it. They'd have most of the ball and we'd have to be resolute in our defending and maybe hope that they had a bit of an off day in terms of firing at the goal.