World Cup: Cape Verde, the smallest nation in knockout history, coach reflects

The West African island nation of Cape Verde, with a population of approximately 525,000, has achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the knockout stage of the World Cup. This makes it the smallest country ever to reach this phase of the tournament. Head coach Bubista expressed his pride in the players and the team's accomplishments, stating, "I want to dedicate this to all the Cape Verdean people, to all citizens, I offer this honor."

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I want to dedicate this to all the Cape Verdean people, to all citizens, I offer this honor.

Bubista emphasized that the team's success is a testament to their "organizational strength" and "self-identity." He believes the achievement showcases the posture a nation and its people should adopt on the world stage. Midfielder Deroy Duarte echoed this sentiment, describing the experience as a dream come true since his childhood aspirations of playing in the World Cup.

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satisfaction is certain, but more importantly, through team organization and the display of self-identity, to show the world the posture a nation and a people should have. This meaning is even greater.

Cape Verde, which gained independence from Portugal in 1975, is an archipelago located about 620 kilometers off the coast of West Africa. Its land area spans approximately 4,033 square kilometers, comparable in size to Taiwan's Nantou County. The nation consists of 10 islands. Due to minimal rainfall, agriculture is not a primary industry, leading many citizens to work abroad. The population of overseas emigrants even surpasses the number of residents within the country, with remittances from abroad contributing about 20% to Cape Verde's GDP.

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this is like a dream. When I was a little boy, I dreamed of playing in the World Cup. What we have achieved is truly incredible.