Cape Verde’s coach, Bubista, believes that his players proved that dreams can overcome financial limitations after getting another precious point in the 2-2 draw with Uruguay this Sunday (21), in the country’s first World Cup.
In Group H, the African team also drew with another world champion, Spain, and is in contention for a historic knockout stage.
“When you’re on the field, many things are equal. No matter how big the opponent is, many teams are on equal footing,” a beaming Bubista told reporters.
“Showing that it is possible to achieve great things, regardless of the challenges, whether financial or any other type. As long as you have a dream and fight for it”, he stated.
Cape Verde’s remarkable performance made the coach dare to think about advancing from the group stage in this tournament with 48 teams, in which the eight best third-placed teams also qualify.
The team is in third place, tied on points with Uruguay (2), and behind Spain, group leader, with 4. Saudi Arabia is in last place, with 1 point, before the last round of the initial stage.
“Considering what we achieved against two high-level teams, I think our focus has to be on qualifying,” he said.
“If you think about it, I think it’s legitimate to do so, given what we’ve accomplished… But we also know that any of these teams have the opportunity to advance.”
Despite impressive performances, Bubista insisted his players need to keep their feet on the ground ahead of their final group stage match against Saudi Arabia.
“We know that this will also be a challenging match. Saudi Arabia also has a chance of qualifying,” he warned.
“Obviously, it will be challenging matches for all the teams, but we will definitely try to win.”
Before Sunday’s match, Bubista gave Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa a gift, saying it was a small souvenir from Cape Verde and something for the 70-year-old coach to remember them by.
“For me and many other coaches, especially in Africa, Bielsa is a master. We studied what he did throughout his career,” said Bubista. “I was very happy to be able to meet him in person.”
