Last night the smallest country still in the men’s World Cup, Cape Verde played Argentina, the winners in 2022. On paper this was certainly one of the biggest mismatches of the whole tournament. Argentina had only lost five games out of the last 91 that they had played. Cape Verde (The Blue Sharks) were the oldest team in the competition and from the smallest country. So to make it through to the knockouts was success in itself. As one British commentator said ‘it is the stuff of fairy tales’. Meanwhile, back in the small island nation supporters had the Cape Verde slogan ‘no stress’ on the backs of their football shirts.
The first goal of the game was scored by Lionel Messi for Argentina. This came in the 28th minute of the game. At half time the score was 1-0 to Argentina. That alone is a testament to the skill, determination and resilience of the Cape Verde team. Their tactic had been to defend their goal, but when the ball was at the other end of the pitch there were not always enough players to make use of it. At half time, the coach clearly told them to attack more, resulting in more players at the argentine end. Then came a second goal from The Blue Sharks to equalise. Described by one commentator as one of the greatest goals in World Cup history. At full time the score was an incredible 1-1. This took the game into extra time and Argentina was clearly up against a force that they had not expected.
Right at the start of extra time Argentina scored their second goal. But within a few minutes the Blue Sharks equalised again. There was no way that Cape Verde was giving up. However, the game finished with Argentina winning 3-2. The Blue Sharks certainly pushed the mighty Argentina to its limits and it has been described as one of the great World Cup matches. Maybe the Blue Sharks didn’t win, but they should be extremely proud of what they have achieved. The Argentinian players congratulated the Cape Verde players at the end of the match. The smallest nation has made the biggest impact and the Blue Sharks can leave the US knowing that they have won the hearts of many around the world. They have also well and truly put their lovely country on the map.
The Cape Verde coach, Bubista (Pedro Leitão Brito), was demonstrably proud after his side came within 10 minutes of forcing Argentina into a penalty shootout. “We showed that we may be a small country, but we can play against the best teams in the world,” he said. “That’s a reason for pride. We made history for our country. They can be proud for representing our country. To be able to play the way we did against the world champions, and to draw level twice, is something incredible.”
We are sorry that Cape Verde will not be going further in this competition, but we offer them our heart felt congratulations on such a magnificent achievement. Be very proud Cape Verde.
[04 July 2026]
