The tiny Atlantic Ocean nation, ranked 63rd in the world, now sit on the brink of qualification heading into their final Group H match against Saudi Arabia, having followed up their stunning opening draw with Spain by taking a point off two-time world champions Uruguay.
Kevin Pina’s superb free-kick gave the debutants an early lead, and although Uruguay hit back through Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio to lead 2-1, Cape Verde refused to fold. Helio Varela capitalised on a Fernando Muslera error to level matters in the 61st minute and secure another famous result.
Bubista insisted the result reflected far more than luck. “Since the beginning, what we’ve been saying is that we would like to compete at the highest possible level, and that’s what we’re trying to do,” he said. “More important than the result is to be able to show our identity as a team, our strength, our unity, and also our resilience.”
The coach was careful to balance ambition with respect for the opposition still standing in their way. “We have the utmost respect for all of our opponents, but we’re now at a point of saying yes, we will definitely fight for qualification. At this point, all we are thinking about is qualifying for the next round.”
A win over Saudi Arabia would complete one of the great World Cup stories.
– AFP
Photo: REUTERS/Paul Childs
