The island nation’s reward for reaching knockouts is a meeting with Argentina but Jose Maria Neves is staying positive
Cape Verde’s president has said he believes his country’s remarkable World Cup run can continue against Argentina. He insists they have every chance of beating Lionel Messi’s side in the last 32.
Cape Verde are playing at the World Cup for the first time and reached the knockout stage after finishing unbeaten in the group phase. Draws against Spain and Uruguay, followed by another point against Saudi Arabia, were enough to secure qualification after Uruguay lost to Spain.
Their reward is a meeting with the defending champions Argentina, who won all three of their group matches. Messi scored six of their eight goals as Argentina beat Austria, Algeria and Jordan to top their group.
Despite Argentina starting as clear favourites, the nation’s head of state, Jose Maria Neves, said Cape Verde had a chance of going through.
“I think Cape Verde can beat Argentina 1-0,” Neves said. “We are playing to win. When expectations are low regarding a team, and if that team has the urge to win, it is possible.
“A small nation like Cape Verde should make an effort to always do that – to permanently surprise people. We have a 100% chance to win against Argentina.”
Neves said reaching the knockout stage was another step in Cape Verde’s effort to make history on their World Cup debut and believes facing the holders is part of that journey.
“We went to this World Cup to write our own destiny, which is, facing champions,” Neves said.
“So, we are going to face Argentina and Messi with the same determination, same will, and with a desire to win and reach the next phase.”
