Cape Verde coach Bubista expressed immense pride in his players after their 3-2 extra-time defeat to Argentina in the last 32 of the World Cup at Miami Stadium. The tiny archipelago nation bowed out following an own goal by Diney Borges, but not before creating a moment of sporting history.
Coach Bubista: 'We Made History for Our Country'
"First things, the pride I feel in my players and what they did, they did it with dignity and courage," Bubista said. "We have to be aware that we did work that will stay in the [history] books and we made history for our country. Also for countries like ours that struggle to qualify for the World Cup, we showed that if they work with great character and focus on the goal they want, it may take time but they will be able to get there."
Cape Verde's players, drawn mostly from the nation's diaspora and playing in second-tier European leagues, twice equalized in Miami. They were the stronger team in the closing stages as the world champions held on.
Sadness Mixed with Pride in the Dressing Room
"The feeling in the dressing room is sadness," Bubista admitted. "We are sad because we are leaving the competition and also because we got so close, so close, but I think they must be proud of their performance and of representing our country. It shows the team has a soul."
"We did our best and we did it with bravery. Never did we fail to stay true to our identity, which is why I am so proud of what my players did."
A Message to the World
"More so than just playing, this was about showing the world our identity. For as long as we were here we wanted to play against the best in the world. We wanted to show fair play. We wanted to exist on a level playing field. We are inexperienced in this tournament and often experience pays."
Bubista thanked the fans: "I'd like to thank our people, I'd like to say thank you to our fans for all their affection and love. It has been a source of great pride to show how we are as a country to the entire world."
Argentina's Scaloni Reflects on Tough Match
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, in his 100th game in charge, faced testy exchanges with journalists after the match. He defended his team's character despite a performance that faded after Lionel Messi gave them the lead.
"Today we proved that we have character," Scaloni said. "Everyone thought this match was going to be a walk in the park. We were sure it wasn't going to be like that."
"This is Argentina and nothing is easy in this country. We are born here trust me, the jersey is not the same as for other countries. Some people might think we are arrogant, but I can assure you, this is not the same when you have bad results. You must have character as you have 47 million people rooting for you and you need courage to bounce back from that."
Looking Ahead
Scaloni added: "This team has it. We suffered a very difficult game, we are still here but it won't be easy, this is a very difficult World Cup. I hope the fans can have a drink now to relax for a bit."
Of his milestone, he said: "This was the most important one for me as a coach, because we are at a World Cup and many things happened in the game. We need to get some rest now. We had six days before, and we have three and a half days now. When you need rest the most is when you least have it."
Argentina will face Egypt in the last 16 in Atlanta next week.
