Third draw for the team from the small African island which advances thanks to Spain’s victory over Uruguay. But there is nothing folkloristic: they run, attack and always look for the goal
There is one team in this World Cup that everyone is rooting for. AND’ Cape Verdealready celebrated for its incredible participation in the world championship and then becoming a tough nut to overcome for everyone. There is nothing folkloristic about the story of the “blue sharks” at the World Cup, there is a team that has achieved as many draws in three matches and that with a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia and thanks to Spain’s victory over Uruguay, they have qualified for the round of 32. Cape Verde is among the best 32 teams in the world and on July 4th in Miami they will challenge the world champions Argentina: think how distant the two worlds are and yet on the green lawn they will be eleven against eleven and everyone (apart from the Argentinians) will cheer for the “blue sharks” because their story is too good. Ranked 67th in the FIFA rankings before the tournament, the small island nation remained unbeaten in their three group matches. Spain, held 0-0 by Cape Verde on the first day, finished with seven points, while the debutants have three and Uruguay and Saudi Arabia two each.
The match with Arabia
The boys from Cape Verde run, attack and look for goals, while the very rich Saudi Arabia with the players who grew up alongside the international stars that the sheikhs bring home with millions of euros, don’t get a shot on target even once. Cape Verde plays below the careful direction of Kevin Pina and tears with his best man, Semedo, capable of keeping former Roma player Abdulhamid apprehensive. Cape Verde controls the game and creates chances, they deserve the goal but the attackers’ aim is lopsided, the missed goal in the final seconds is sensational. And when Saudi Arabia tries, the legendary goalkeeper Vozinha is there to block every attempt by the Saudis. Opposing stories of goalkeepers, Muslera’s error gives Spain the victory against Uruguay and certifies Cape Verde’s qualification. The players’ celebration begins on the Houston field, the joy of the Cape Verdean people explodes in the capital Sao Vicente.
