World Cup minnows Cabo Verde owes run 'to other smaller national teams'

Cabo Verde's remarkable debut at the World Cup continues to defy expectations, with the small island nation achieving a stunning 2-2 draw against Uruguay, a two-time champion. This result follows their earlier shock victory over tournament favorite Spain, solidifying their status as one of the tournament's most surprising teams.

“

This is something we owe to other smaller national teams, teams that struggled to qualify for a world tournament.

Kevin Pina opened the scoring for Cabo Verde with a spectacular free-kick, marking their first-ever goal in World Cup history. Hélio Varela netted the equalizer, propelling the team to a position where advancing to the knockout stage is a tangible possibility. With two points in Group H, alongside Uruguay, Cabo Verde faces Saudi Arabia in its final group match.

Coach Pedro Leitão Brito emphasized that their achievement is a victory for all smaller national teams that aspire to compete on the world stage. "This is something we owe to other smaller national teams, teams that struggled to qualify for a world tournament," he said through an interpreter. He added that his squad firmly believes in its ability to continue its historic run.

“

We're also here to show that a country may be small, may struggle financially, but if they are resilient, if they can endure struggle, they can also stand shoulder to shoulder with other major teams and with players who are on another level.

Brito highlighted the resilience of his nation, a group of islands off the West African coast with approximately half a million inhabitants. "We're also here to show that a country may be small, may struggle financially," he stated, "but if they are resilient, if they can endure struggle, they can also stand shoulder to shoulder with other major teams and with players who are on another level."

“

Once you're on the pitch, a lot of things become equal.

Despite a stadium largely chanting for Uruguay, Cabo Verdean players appeared unfazed. "Once you're on the pitch, a lot of things become equal," Brito remarked. Varela, who scored the crucial equalizer, expressed his disbelief and joy: "I had dreamed of this, but I never imagined it would happen this way. Scoring my first goal for the national team on my World Cup debut is incredible. I have no words."

“

I had dreamed of this, but I never imagined it would happen this way. Scoring my first goal for the national team on my World Cup debut is incredible. I have no words.