“Anything is possible,” Cape Verde continues its fairytale run

The sight of Cape Verde players gathered around a cellphone, watching the final seconds of Spain’s victory over Uruguay before bursting into celebrations, was the kind of moment FIFA had hoped to see at the expanded World Cup. 

Or even the joy in the stands at the stadium in Houston, where Cape Verde fans cheered, danced and sang as the small island nation secured a place in the knockout stage of the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Cape Verde has only 500,000 inhabitants, while in the World Cup round of 16 it will face reigning champions Argentina on July 3 in Miami.

Cape Verde drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia and finished second in Group H. The African team’s coach, Bubista, had said the World Cup is for all countries, not just the “elite of the game”.

The stories of winners lifting the trophy are exciting, but so are the tales of teams that fight beyond their means and overcome difficulties to compete. Small teams that achieve success through a fighting spirit also make football interesting.

“Honestly, it’s crazy. I feel like I’m in a dream,” said Cape Verde midfielder Deroy Duarte.

“Ever since I was a child, I’ve always dreamed of playing in a World Cup. To be player of the match and make history is something I could never have imagined,” he added.

There is little chance Cape Verde will get past the next stage against Lionel Messi and the other Argentinians.

But the players of the small national team have made history that will be remembered for a long time.

“First, let’s celebrate. We are very happy. Let’s hope all the people of Cape Verde are happy too. From tomorrow, we’ll work towards the next match. It’s against Argentina, right? A difficult match, but let’s believe. Anything is possible,” Duarte added.

Cape Verde advanced to the knockout stage with three draws, with its strong, defensive performance against Spain in the first match being the most impressive so far.

This earned Cape Verde new fans around the world. The stadium in Houston was filled with this national team’s jerseys for the match against Saudi Arabia.