CAPE VERDE CELEBRATE HISTORIC POINT AFTER HOLDING SPAIN

Cape Verde coach Bubista hailed his side’s organisation, resilience and bravery after they secured a historic 0-0 draw against Spain in their first-ever World Cup match on Monday.

The tournament debutants spent long periods without the ball against the European champions but frustrated Spain throughout the contest to earn a memorable point.

“Of course, Spain had possession of the ball almost all the time, but controlling the match is not just possession of the ball,” Bubista told reporters.

“We did it in a different way. We would have liked more attacking transitions, but Spain are a very difficult team, so we are happy with this.”

Bubista said modern football is not only about dominating possession, stressing that defensive organisation and discipline remain key weapons for underdogs on the biggest stage.

“Teams win matches through transitions and moments. We have to prepare ourselves in that way,” he said.

The Cape Verde coach also praised the expanded 48-team World Cup for giving emerging nations the chance to compete against the world’s elite.

“Football is organisation, bravery and determination. Smaller teams can use those qualities against bigger nations,” he added.

While goalkeeper Vozinha produced several important saves and was named Player of the Match, Bubista preferred to focus on the collective effort.

“He was the best player on the pitch and deserves congratulations, but I think our whole team was excellent defensively,” he said. “The team did a spectacular job.”

The draw leaves Cape Verde with a valuable point from their opening Group H fixture and reinforces Bubista’s belief that his side can continue competing with the world’s best.