The Cape Verde Islands are writing the next World Cup fairy tale before Mama Vozinha’s wet eyes. The emotions are high, but suddenly so are the chances of reaching the round of 16.
The best news for all fans of the Cape Verde national team came well before kick-off on Sunday. Ana Candida Evora, now probably the most famous soccer mom on the planet, made it to the stadium after successfully entering the USA.
The mother of World Cup hero and Instagram shooting star Vozinha was filmed by numerous cameras during her visit to Miami. During the sensational 2-2 draw against Uruguay, she was seen on television more often than Luis Suarez, Diego Forlan or Roberto Baggio, who were also present. Suddenly a star.
You have Valverde, we are Cape Verde: Mama Vozinha is celebrating.
Cape Verde is now being taken seriously
Mama Ana’s favorite team has also achieved a similarly rapid rise in the past few days: World Cup newcomer Cape Verde, decried as cannon fodder before the World Cup, has now developed from a friendly splash of color into a serious football team in the general opinion of experts. Draw against Spain, draw against Uruguay. Cape Verdean Island Talent: Favorite Scare.
The remarkable thing about it: The successful defensive battle against the 2010 world champion was not followed by the next purely destructive game against the title holders from 1930 and 1950. Quite the opposite. After goalkeeper Vozinha’s one-shot show, the focus this time was on the offensive players.
Jamiro Monteiro and Garry Rodrigues tricked their way into the hearts of World Cup fans with numerous (and not always effective) tricks. Kevin Pina heaved a free kick into the goal from 30 meters. Substitute Helio Varela took advantage of a bad pass to such an extent that it wasn’t just Mama Vozinha who got wet eyes. “I would like to congratulate the team and all of our people on this achievement. We played with a lot of heart”summarized national coach Bubista. A little pathos is permitted.
More than just a big heart
Of course, it is still clear that Cape Verde can score points above all with great emotions. The fact that goalscorer Varela burst into tears while celebrating speaks volumes. The hype surrounding Vonzinha also shows the special nature of the moment. The “Blue Sharks” are currently experiencing the peak of their sporting careers and are growing beyond themselves. There are no pain limits. “We had great difficulties in the final phase, many players suffered from cramps. Nevertheless, we showed courage until the end”said Bubista.
Far from these classic underdog factors – victories by underdogs still happen even in modern football – the Cape Verdean team also knew how to impress in terms of football against Uruguay. The players, most of whom trained at Portuguese clubs, know what they are doing.
We are here to fulfill a new dream – to reach the next round.
Sure: the tactics designed for switching moments are not the most demanding of all World Cup participants. But the implementation is impressive. The pace, technique and running routes meet the highest standards, with a little more rip-off and less playfulness, Cape Verde could have won the game against Uruguay. “We can be very happy with what we achieved today”emphasized coach Bubista.
Knockout phase absolutely realistic
But that’s not all: with two points after two games, Cape Verde actually has a realistic chance of moving into the next round. If things go reasonably well and Spain beat Uruguay in the final group game, a draw against Saudi Arabia (Saturday, 2 a.m., live on the first and in the stream on sportschau.de) would be enough for the Cape Verdean team to move up to second place. “We are here to fulfill a new dream – to reach the next round”said Bubista: “We’re at a point where we say: Yes, we’re fighting to move forward.”
Cape Verde is actually on the way to the knockout phase. A few weeks ago, not even Mama Vozinha would have thought that possible.
