Cape Verde’s preparations for their historic FIFA World Cup debut received a major boost after the Blue Sharks produced a commanding 3-0 victory over Serbia in an international friendly at the Estádio do Restelo in Lisbon.
Backed by strong support in the Portuguese capital, Bubista’s side delivered one of their most impressive performances in recent years as they continued building momentum ahead of the tournament in North America.
Midfielder Kevin Pina opened the scoring in the 11th minute, converting a cross from veteran captain Ryan Mendes to give Cape Verde a deserved lead heading into the break.
The Blue Sharks raised their level after halftime and effectively sealed the contest with two quick-fire goals. Laros Duarte doubled the advantage shortly before the hour mark before turning provider four minutes later, setting up Gilson Benchimol to complete a memorable victory.
The result further strengthens belief around a Cape Verde side preparing for its first-ever appearance at the World Cup after securing qualification in October last year.
Despite the emphatic nature of the victory, head coach Bubista insisted the focus remains firmly on preparation rather than results.
“Yes, it’s a good victory. But it’s just a preparation game. If we had lost, we would be in the same situation,” Bubista told Radiotelevisão Caboverdiana (RTC).
“I think the team is improving and we still have players who either arrived yesterday or today, or players who arrived the day before yesterday.”
The coach also reiterated his desire for the team to remain faithful to the identity that helped them reach football’s biggest stage.
“We want to have our own identity, the identity that got us to the World Cup. Let’s try to be consistent with our identity and show the whole world that we are small, but we can do beautiful things.”
Several important players, including experienced winger Garry Rodrigues and midfielders Yannick Semedo and Deroy Duarte, were unavailable after concluding their club commitments late, making the performance even more encouraging for the technical staff.
Bubista believes the World Cup offers Cape Verde an opportunity to showcase more than just footballing ability.
“Yes, all of us have this desire to be able to demonstrate who we are. I’ve been saying that our qualification is more than just sporting. It serves to showcase our country to the whole world,” he said.
“We have to do everything and more for every ball we contest, for every play, so they can see the reflection of our spirit. We have achieved everything through sacrifice. So everything we do has to represent our country.”
With the squad now fully assembled, Cape Verde will travel to the United States to complete the final phase of preparations. A final friendly against Bermuda awaits before the Blue Sharks begin their historic World Cup campaign.
Cape Verde open their Group H campaign against Spain on June 15 before facing Uruguay on June 21 and Saudi Arabia on June 26, as anticipation continues to grow across the island nation ahead of its first appearance on football’s biggest stage.
