Ibrahimovic Praises Cabo Verde's World Cup Performance
Former AC Milan and Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic has lauded Cabo Verde's performance in their first FIFA World Cup appearance, describing the island nation as a 'small island with big dreams' after they nearly upset defending champions Argentina in the round of 32. Speaking on FOX Sports, Ibrahimovic expressed admiration for the debutants, who took the game to extra time before succumbing to an own goal.
'I just... I can stand there and give applause to Cape Verde because it was all about Cape Verde. Small island with big dreams, and they almost rocked a big giant. But these guys, they are heroes. These are heroes; they became idols of that small island, and they are stars. They didn't lose any game during 90 minutes--important to say. They almost made it in this game,' Ibrahimovic said.
He added: 'I think the whole world did not believe it was possible, maybe... or I would say that a small island believed it was possible. And I am 100, 200 per cent sure when they come back to that small island, they are gonna have a big party, a big celebration, a big welcome on a red carpet.'
Cabo Verde's Historic World Cup Campaign
Cabo Verde's World Cup campaign was winless but remarkable. They secured a goalless draw against Spain, draws against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, and advanced to the round of 32, a feat few expected. In the knockout clash against Argentina, they held the reigning champions 2-2 after 90 minutes and extra time, before an unfortunate own goal from Diney Borges in the 111th minute handed Argentina a 3-2 victory.
Ibrahimovic noted that Cabo Verde's achievement will be remembered: 'I almost have tears because I enjoy these moments, seeing these images. Like Thierry (Henry) said, Argentina is not even celebrating because this is not about Argentina or Leo Messi. This is all about Cape Verde, and they almost did it.'
Match Details: Cabo Verde vs Argentina
Cabo Verde started brightly, testing Argentina early through Ryan Mendes. Argentina took the lead in the 29th minute when Lionel Messi controlled a diagonal pass from Lisandro Martinez and fired into the roof of the net for his seventh goal of the tournament. After halftime, Cabo Verde equalized through Deroy Duarte, who finished from a tight angle after a pass from Mendes, scoring their first-ever World Cup knockout-stage goal.
Goalkeeper Vozinha made several outstanding saves to keep the score level, forcing extra time. Argentina regained the lead in the 92nd minute when Lisandro Martinez scored from a corner, but Cabo Verde's Sidny Lopes Cabral equalized again in the 103rd minute with a stunning curling effort from a tight angle. The decisive goal came in the 111th minute when Messi's corner was met by Cristian Romero, whose header deflected off Diney Borges into the net. Cabo Verde nearly forced penalties, but Emiliano Martinez saved Lopes Cabral's free-kick to secure Argentina's progress.
Argentina will face Egypt in the round of 16, while Cabo Verde exit with widespread admiration. Ibrahimovic concluded: 'Let us enjoy Cape Verde because it was a beautiful story and it will be a beautiful story long time in front.'
