Cabo Verde president backs Blue Sharks to shock Argentina
José Maria Neves believes the World Cup debutants can pull off one of the tournament's biggest upsets against the defending champions.
Cabo Verde President José Maria Neves has backed his country's national team to produce one of the biggest shocks of the Fifa World Cup, predicting a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in Friday's Round of 32 clash.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Neves said the Blue Sharks have already proved they can defy expectations and are capable of making more history.
"I think Cabo Verde can beat Argentina 1-0. We are playing to win," Neves said. "When expectations are low and a team has the desire to win, anything is possible. A small nation like Cabo Verde should always try to surprise people."
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Cabo Verde, making their first-ever World Cup appearance, have already become the smallest nation to reach the tournament's knockout stage. They advanced from Group H after drawing with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
Despite being ranked 63 places below Argentina in the Fifa rankings, Neves insisted his side has every reason to believe.
"Our team has 100% faith, 100% hope and will fight for every ball. We came to this World Cup to write our own destiny by facing champions," he said.
Head coach Pedro "Bubista" Leitão Brito has also embraced the underdog tag, recently declaring that "nothing is impossible", while midfielder Deroy Duarte said the team believes it can spring a surprise.
Neves added that regardless of Friday's outcome, Cabo Verde have already exceeded expectations.
"Whatever happens, we will leave the World Cup with our heads held high and a sense of mission accomplished," he said.
