Cabo Verde Coach Praises Team After Extra-Time Loss to Argentina

Cabo Verde head coach Bubista expressed pride in his players after their memorable FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat against defending champions Argentina. The coach said his team had “showed our identity” on the global stage after pushing Lionel Messi and his teammates to the limit in the Round of 32.

Making their World Cup debut, Cabo Verde reached the knockout stage without registering a victory but remained unbeaten throughout the group phase. They held European champions Spain to a goalless draw before securing further draws against Saudi Arabia and former champions Uruguay. Those results were enough to earn the African nation a historic place in the Round of 32.

Against Argentina, Cabo Verde again displayed the resilience and determination that had defined their tournament. Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with his seventh goal of the competition, but Deroy Duarte equalised shortly before the hour mark. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha then produced several important saves to keep Argentina from finding a winner in regulation time.

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Argentina regained the lead in the 92nd minute when Lisandro Martinez scored from close range following a corner. Cabo Verde responded once again as Sidny Lopes Cabral produced a stunning curling strike from a tight angle in the 103rd minute to make it 2-2. The defending champions eventually secured victory in the 111th minute when a Cristian Romero header took a deflection off Diney Borges and found the net.

Cabo Verde nearly forced a penalty shootout in the closing stages, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a crucial save from Lopes Cabral’s powerful free-kick. Speaking after the match, Bubista said his players had represented their country with dignity and highlighted the fact that they had twice equalised against the world champions before taking the contest deep into extra time.

Argentina will now face Egypt in the Round of 16, while Cabo Verde leave the tournament with widespread admiration after a remarkable debut campaign. Despite failing to record a victory, the team remained competitive against some of the world’s strongest sides and came close to eliminating the defending champions. Bubista said the performance gave the country every reason to be proud of its players and their identity.

Also Read: Cabo Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha Rallies Nation Ahead of Argentina Round of 32 Tie