Cape Verde's World Cup campaign inspires underdogs across Africa, says coach

Cape Verde's coach Bubista hopes his team's World Cup campaign will serve as an inspiration to underdog nations across Africa, demonstrating that no dream is beyond reach.

“

We not only represent Cape Verde, we also represent Africa, with all the problems we have within our continent. A country like ours being able to achieve this dream and be here competing with the best teams in the world means that any child in Africa ... can have this dream. The objective is that this dream can help them believe they can reach any goal.

The Blue Sharks, making their World Cup debut, impressed with a strong defensive performance to secure a 0-0 draw against European champions Spain. They are now preparing to face South American powerhouse Uruguay on Sunday, with the objective of advancing to the knockout stage from Group H.

"We not only represent Cape Verde, we also represent Africa, with all the problems we have within our continent," Bubista stated. "A country like ours being able to achieve this dream and be here competing with the best teams in the world means that any child in Africa ... can have this dream. The objective is that this dream can help them believe they can reach any goal."

“

We have spent many years working, searching, striving so that our country can be known to the world. You can see how happy our people are everywhere because of what the team has achieved.

Bubista also emphasized that the team's presence on the global stage aims to put Cape Verdeans, both on the islands and in the diaspora, on the map. He highlighted the national team's identity as one of "organization, fighting for things even while knowing they are difficult, and fighting to achieve them with character and determination." While satisfied with the defensive effort against Spain, the coach indicated a desire to be more offensive in upcoming matches against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

“

Our national team shows our identity: organisation, fighting for things even while knowing they are difficult, and fighting to achieve them with character and determination.

The draw against Spain generated significant international attention and support for Cape Verde. Goalkeeper Vozinha, named Player of the Match, saw his Instagram following surge, and a touching moment of him crying because his mother couldn't attend his big game prompted action from the U.S. State Department to help her travel to Miami. Despite the external excitement, Bubista assured that the team remains focused and united, preparing with "200 percent concentration" for their next challenge.

“

We are happy about the impact, because more than anything, we showed that nothing is impossible. We, as a team, are focused. We are very calm. We know we have to be 200 per cent concentrated. Our team is very united and has a lot of enthusiasm.