Cape Verde is an example for other small countries to follow, defender Pico Lopes said, after the islanders came close to one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history against Argentina on Friday.
Defending champions Argentina needed a Diney Borges own goal in the 111th minute to win a thrilling last-32 tie after a high-stakes extra time in Miami.
Cape Verde, a small archipelago of just over 500,000 people off the west coast of Africa, included Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, where they could play in the World Cup for the first time.
«What we achieved, we wanted to show what was possible for small countries. With a big heart, where you can believe and dream that anything is possible,» Irish-born Lopes told reporters.
“I hope this team here now has inspired some young Cape Verdeans to be here next time. We are showing what is possible. We are showing what you can do when you reach this stage and meet some of the best teams in the world.”
Goalkeeper Vozinha became one of the stars of the World Cup after his man-of-the-match performance against Spain in the Blue Sharks’ opening match.
The 40-year-old’s social media following exploded from around 50,000 to more than 19 million during the tournament.
«The World Cup means a lot to us because it is something we have wanted for a long time. We qualified and realized the dream, not only for me or the national team, but for the entire people of Cape Verde,» said Vozinha, who currently has no club.
“We are very proud of everything we have achieved. Obviously we are disappointed with the result because we wanted to move on to the next round.
“We knew we were facing a very strong opponent – the world champions – but I want to recognize the whole federation and the whole team,” he added.
«My teammates were fantastic, they were incredible. We went out with our heads held high.»
Argentina had progressed through the group stages and another Messi-inspired victory seemed on the cards as he opened the scoring in style with his 20th World Cup goal.
But Cape Verde refused to lie down and lifted herself back onto level ground twice.
Deroy Duarte’s attack on the hour mark forced the match into extra time.
Even as Lisandro Martinez restored Argentina’s lead, a stunning strike from Sidny Lopes Cabral got the side dreaming again before Borges turned into his own goal under pressure from Cristian Romero.
Lopes has also become a hero in Ireland, where he plays for Shamrock Rovers.
The son of an Irish mother and Cape Verdean father, the 34-year-old was recruited to play for the Blue Sharks via networking site LinkedIn.
And he said they had put Cape Verde on the map in recent weeks.
«When we qualified for the World Cup, we wanted to show that we belong here. I think our performance during the group stage and tonight showed that we can compete with some of the best teams in the world,» he added.
“One of the nice things that this World Cup has achieved is that no one has to ask what Cape Verde is.
«They know where we are on the map. They know where we are as a team. I think all Cape Verdeans around the world who are inspired to become footballers have shown the way today.»
Published on July 4, 2026
