Cape Verde coach Bubista was extremely proud of his team after three-time world champions Argentina were tested before losing a thrilling last 32 match at the World Cup on Friday.
The 67th-ranked Africans were the surprise package of their first global final, drawing with former champions Spain and Uruguay in the group stage before going down 3-2 to the title holders after extra time.
Former centre-half Bubista was the architect of the project and he thought the reaction to losing his players, most of whom do not play in elite competitions, showed how far they had come.
“The feeling in the dressing room is one of sadness,” he told reporters. “We are of course sad, we are sad because we are leaving the competition and because we have come so close, so close.
«Even though they were sad, the players hugged each other and cried. This is part of growing. This helps us grow and also shows that the team has a soul.»
Bubista said the fact that Cape Verde stayed in the match for the full 120 minutes against a great team on Friday was a huge source of pride.
«I am proud of my players and what they have done. They have done it with dignity and courage,» he added.
«I think Argentina showed why they are world champions. I think I can say that our team showed how prepared they were to play this match.»
«I don’t think any other team could have scored two goals against Argentina and put the game into extra time. I think that shows the character of our team, how skilled our team is.»
“They did it with courage and we never lost our identity.”
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Bubista said during the tournament that Cape Verde’s first World Cup campaign was not just about football, but also about the spirit of the island.
“More than just playing this, it was about showing our identity to the world,” he said.
“Ours was a team that wanted to play throughout the tournament, as long as we were here, and play against the best teams in the world.
“We played fairly and stayed on par with our opponents.
“I think everyone should thank the players for their tournament, because they showed what our small country stands for.”
Published on July 4, 2026
