Fearless Cape Verde Dream Of Historic World Cup Upset Against Argentina

Cape Verde have vowed to embrace the biggest challenge in their football history as they prepare to face reigning world champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, insisting they have both the quality and belief to pull off a monumental upset.

The tournament debutants will take on Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Miami on 3 July, with the South Americans overwhelming favourites to progress. However, Cape Verde have already shattered expectations by reaching the knockout stages in their maiden World Cup appearance.

Midfielder Deroy Duarte said the team had already surpassed its initial targets but remained determined to continue writing history.

“Our first objective was to qualify for the World Cup, our second was to get through the group stage, and we’ve achieved that,” Duarte said.

“Everything from here is an honour and a reward. We see Argentina as another opportunity to make history.

“So why not? We will give everything, and at the end of the match we’ll see what happens.”

The island nation, located off the west coast of Africa with a population of just over 500,000, arrived at the tournament ranked 67th in the world. Few gave them any chance of progressing beyond the group stage.

Instead, Cape Verde stunned the football world by drawing with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to secure a place in the last 16, becoming the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout phase of a FIFA World Cup.

Much of their success has been built on effectively tapping into the country’s vast diaspora. Of the starting XI that earned a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia, six players were born outside Cape Verde, including three in the Netherlands, while others were born in the Republic of Ireland, France and Portugal.

Cape Verde first announced themselves on the global stage with a remarkable 0-0 draw against European champions Spain, thanks largely to an inspired display from 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha.

They followed that with another impressive result, holding two-time world champions Uruguay to a 2-2 draw before earning the point they needed against Saudi Arabia.

Their qualification was only confirmed after Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 in the group’s other fixture. Cape Verde’s players gathered anxiously around a mobile phone on the pitch to follow the closing moments before erupting into emotional celebrations when the final whistle confirmed their place in the knockout rounds.

Scenes of jubilation were mirrored back home in the capital, Praia, where supporters stayed awake into the early hours to celebrate the nation’s historic achievement.

Head coach Bubista, draped in Cape Verde’s national flag after qualification was secured, said the team had fulfilled one of its key ambitions.

“From the very beginning, we’ve said that one of our purposes was to show our country to the rest of the world,” he said.

While defeating Argentina would rank among the greatest shocks in World Cup history, veteran goalkeeper Vozinha believes his side possess far more than just determination.

“Maybe many of you think the Cape Verde players are not good enough,” he said.

“But we came here to show that we have a lot of quality.”

Duarte also revealed that the team have been overwhelmed by support from football fans across the globe.

“We’ve received a lot of support from people from different countries,” he said.

“But that’s also who Cape Verdeans are. We like to welcome people and treat them as our own.”

For the Rotterdam-born midfielder, the opportunity to face one of football’s greatest powers is the fulfilment of a childhood dream.

“What a match,” Duarte said with a smile.

“I’ve always watched Argentina on television since I was young. It’s a dream come true.

“It’s a special moment and a very special game.”