Family, friends of Pico 'so proud' as Cape Verde progress

Cape Verde, with Shamrock Rovers captain Roberto 'Pico' Lopes in their ranks, has achieved a remarkable feat by reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup, marking them as the smallest nation ever to accomplish this. The underdog African island nation defied expectations, progressing past group stages that included formidable opponents. Their next challenge is a daunting clash against Argentina, led by football icon Lionel Messi.

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The first two games were amazing and gave us a great opportunity. It would have meant nothing if we had gone and spoiled it today. Thankfully, we held our nerve and got the point we needed. And we have a great game to look forward to next.

Lopes, a Dublin-born defender who previously worked as a mortgage advisor, is set to face one of the greatest players of all time. Despite the immense pressure and celebration, Lopes managed a moment to connect with his Shamrock Rovers manager, Stephen Bradley, via FaceTime from the dressing room. The heartwarming exchange was captured live on RTÉ, where Bradley was working as a pundit.

"The first two games were amazing and gave us a great opportunity. It would have meant nothing if we had gone and spoiled it today," Lopes said, reflecting on the team's performance. "Thankfully, we held our nerve and got the point we needed. And we have a great game to look forward to next."

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I'm so proud of my big brother, he's the biggest idol I've ever had. For him, I'm so proud because its all he ever dreamed of and when I was younger before school I'd watch him put in all the hard work.

Back in Dublin, Lopes' family and friends gathered in Aisling Close, Crumlin, to watch the match. Neighbors described the atmosphere as electric. His brother, Jacques, expressed profound pride, calling Roberto his "idol" and stating that this success was everything his brother had ever dreamed of. Fans like Shay O'Reilly and Wayne Keogh shared their excitement, with Keogh confident that Lopes has the strength and ability to compete against Messi, having already proven himself against tough European teams.

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Its fantastic and hopefully Roberto can play up against him because he can, he's strong enough. If he can do i it against Spain, he can do it against them too.