Cape Verde Coach: We're Here to Show the World Our Country, It's Not Just About Football

Bubista, the head coach of the Cape Verde national football team, believes that the World Cup debutants have proven that dreams can overcome financial limitations. This sentiment comes after his team secured another valuable point in their 2-2 draw against Uruguay on Sunday.

The island nation earned their second draw of the tournament, having previously shocked the world with a goalless draw against European champions Spain in their opening match. These two points give them a fighting chance to advance to the knockout stages, as their final group game is against Saudi Arabia – a team considered less formidable than their previous opponents.

"Once you step onto the pitch, many things level out. No matter how big the opponent is on the world stage, many national teams become equals," Pedro Leitao Brito, known as Bubista, told reporters with a broad smile.

"We wanted to demonstrate this not only in football but in other aspects of life as well.

To show that you can achieve great things, regardless of the challenges you face – be they financial or of any other kind. All you need is a dream and the drive to pursue it."

It is precisely these two draws against footballing giants like Uruguay and Spain that have the 45-year-old coach planning for a potential escape from the group. "Considering what we've achieved against two world-class teams, I think we should focus on qualifying," he stated.

"And I believe it's fully justified, given what we've accomplished... But we also know that our opponent has a chance to advance as well."

But even if they don't reach the second phase, Bubista has another mission beyond the footballing result: "We are here to showcase our country to the entire world. So it's not just about playing football. We want the whole world to know Cape Verde as it is, and our people as they are."

When asked about his expectations for the match against Saudi Arabia, he responded: "We need to stay grounded and clear-headed about where we are and what lies ahead. Saudi Arabia also has a chance to progress. It's clear that it's tough for all teams here, but we will try to win. We also have another mission. We owe qualification to all the small teams fighting to make it to the World Cup. A country might be small and poor, but if it possesses resilience, if it can endure difficulties, if it works in an organized manner, it too can stand shoulder to shoulder with the other big teams," the coach further explained.