Watching son at World Cup 'an outer body experience'

Judy Lopes, mother of Cape Verdean footballer Roberto 'Pico' Lopes, described the experience of watching her son compete in the World Cup as an "outer body experience." Cape Verde achieved a significant upset by holding European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw in their opening Group H match.

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That’s his personality. He was just the same as usual. Business as usual. Job done.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Ms. Lopes shared that her son remained "cool, calm, and collected" after the match, a demeanor she attributed to his personality. She emphasized his hard work and deservedness of this achievement, noting that playing in a World Cup is a childhood dream for many.

Lopes, who qualifies to play for Cape Verde through his father Carlos, was supported by his family. Ms. Lopes mentioned that Carlos was "bursting with pride," and she humorously contrasted her own expressive nature with her husband's calm disposition, suggesting Pico inherited his coolness from his father.

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To grow up and play in a World Cup, that's what little kids dream of.

She observed that neutral spectators at the game were rooting for Cape Verde, a team that exceeded expectations by securing a draw against a formidable Spanish side. Ms. Lopes also shared that Pico's seven-month-old son, Diego, attended the match but slept through most of it, which she jokingly attributed to Spain's performance.

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He’s a very cool cucumber. I think that’s where Pico gets his personality from. He certainly doesn’t get it from me because I am the complete opposite.

Ms. Lopes expressed gratitude for the widespread support from Ireland, noting a shared history of emigration between Ireland and Cape Verde. She feels the African island nation's story resonates with Ireland's own experiences.

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It’ll just show you how boring Spain was,