Cape Verde coach Bubista dreams big after stunning World Cup start - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.
Cape Verde coachBubistabelieves his World Cup debutants have proved thatdreamscan triumph over financial constraintsafterthey claimed another precious point in a2-2 draw with Uruguayon Sunday. The African. . .
Cape Verde coachBubistabelieves his World Cup debutants have proved thatdreamscan triumph over financial constraintsafterthey claimed another precious point in a2-2 draw with Uruguayon Sunday. The African nation have now drawn with heavyweightsSpain and Uruguayto put themselves in contention for a historic knockout stage qualification. “Once you’re on the pitch, a lot of things become equal. Asbigas the opponent might be on theworldstage, many national teams become equal,” a beamingBubistatold reporters. “We wanted to show that not only in football, but also in other aspects of life. “Show that you can achieve great things regardless of your challenges, whether they’re financial or of any other kind. Just so long as you have a dream and chaseafterit. ”CapeVerde‘s remarkable performances have thecoachdaring to think about progression from the group stage in the 48-team tournament where the best third-placed teams also advance. They are in third place with two points, level with Uruguay and two points behind group leaders Spain. Saudi Arabia are bottom with one point ahead of the final round of games. “Considering what we’ve done with two international-grade teams, I think our focus has to be qualifying,” he said. “If we were to think about that, I think it’s only legitimate to do so considering what we’ve done … But also, we know that any one of these teams also has the opportunity to move forward. ”‘SHOWING OUR PEOPLE’S IDENTITY’However, the 56-year-oldcoachalso emphasised that his team’s mission extends beyond football results. “We’re here to show our country to the entireworld. So it’s not just about how we play football. It’s about everything, our culture, our music, our history, our supporters – all of that,”Bubistasaid. “We want people everywhere around theworldto knowCapeVerdefor what we are, showing our people’s identity. ”Despite their impressive performances against two formerWorldCupwinners,Bubistainsisted his players must remain grounded heading into their final group match against Saudi Arabia. “They have to keep their feet on the ground. We know this will also be a challenging match. Saudi Arabia also has the possibility of qualifying,” he warned. “Obviously, these will be challenging matches for all teams, but we will definitely try to win. ”Before the game,Bubistagave UruguaycoachMarcelo Bielsa a gift, saying it was a little token fromCapeVerdeand something for the 70-year-old to remember them by. “For me and for many othercoaches, in Africa especially, Bielsa is a master. We’ve studied what he did throughout his career,”Bubistasaid. “I was really happy to be able to meet him personally. ”Author