"We want to compete": Bubista ahead of Cape Verde's FIFA World Cup match against Spain
Atlanta, June 15
Cape Verde coach Bubista said that the team wants to display themselves on the big stage and "want to compete" as they make their FIFA World Cup debut against Spain on Monday.
Ahead of the first Group H clash, Bubista said the World Cup is a dream come true for Cape Verde and a chance to showcase the country on the global stage. .
"We want to display our country, so it's an amazing opportunity to be able to show our country to the world. We are very much happy to face Spain in our opener. It's a wonderful start. This is a dream coming true," he said as quoted by Reuters.
"We want to show everything we've prepared for during the qualification period. We want to compete and bring our identity," Bubista added.
Bubista said Cape Verde want to enjoy their World Cup experience while recognising that qualification represents more than football--it is also a cultural achievement for the nation. He added that they aim to play with courage and determination, using the tournament to showcase both their footballing identity and their country to the world.
"We've been discussing how much we want to enjoy the match and the World Cup. We've already said that our qualification for the World Cup means more than just football. It's a cultural, a musical achievement," he said.
"Being able to play these three matches that we have in this group stage with courage and determination showing to the world who we are as a team, but also as a country," Bubista added.
Bubista further said that Cape Verde have not come to the World Cup merely to participate but to compete.
"We didn't come here just to take part, we came here to compete, and that is clear for our team," Bubista said.
"Our team is prepared to play in an offensive manner if needed, and we want to show this. Throughout all of this time our team has given proof of maturity, and I hope that this will continue," he added.
Cape Verde are coming off a 3-0 win over Serbia in a friendly in May and will look to give Spain a tough fight in their World Cup opener.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The coach's emphasis on cultural and musical identity is beautiful. Football is so much more than just a game—it's about pride and representing your roots. Wish more teams, including ours, played with that kind of passion. Spain is tough, but I hope Cape Verde gives them a run for their money! 💪
Honestly, as someone who follows European football closely, I think Cape Verde's optimism is great, but Spain is a different beast altogether. Their tiki-taka can dismantle any debutant defense. That said, if they can keep it close and frustrate Spain, they might just pull off a surprise. Bhai, underdogs stories are the best! ⚽
As a football fan from the US, I'm rooting for Cape Verde. Their story reminds me of how nations like Iceland and Senegal captured our hearts in previous World Cups. It's not just about the result—it's about the journey. And their 3-0 win over Serbia shows they're not pushovers. Let's see some entertainment! 🌍⚽
I love how Bubista talks about "cultural and musical achievement." It's so refreshing to hear a coach focus on joy and identity rather than just tactics. In India, we often get too serious about sports—we could learn from this attitude. But haan, Spain is no joke. Hoping for a competitive game! 🎶⚽
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