Cape Verde Crushes Serbia 3-0: Blue Sharks World Cup Ready
LISBON – Cape Verde sent a clear message to their future World Cup opponents on Sunday, dismantling Serbia 3-0 in a dominant friendly display at Lisbon’s Estádio do Restelo. The emphatic victory serves as a final tune-up for the Blue Sharks before they head to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Bubista: “We are creating difficulties for our opponents”
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Cape Verde head coach Bubista remained grounded, emphasizing that the result was merely a stepping stone. However, he made no secret of his team’s ambition to defy the odds in the upcoming tournament.
“I have to congratulate our team on the victory, but this is a preparation match,” Bubista said. “Our first objective is to represent our country with pride so that every Cape Verdean, wherever they are, feels proud. We are aware of the difficulties, but we will create difficulties for our opponents in this group.”
Addressing the “underdog” tag often placed on the island nation, Bubista was defiant. “Regardless of being identified as a team that won’t get past the group stage, results are not determined before the game starts. If you ask any of my players, they will say we are fighting to advance. As their leader, I believe the same.”
“Going All In”: Players Target Knockout Stages
The confidence in the locker room is palpable. Forward Jovane Cabral, who enters the tournament following a strong club season, stated that the team is not just going to participate—they are going to compete.
“The goal now is to get past the group stage. We’re going all in,” Cabral said. “The first game is very important. We need to win that and then collect as many points as possible. Physically, I feel great, and I worked hard this season specifically to be ready for this moment.”
Sidny Lopes Cabral Dismisses Transfer Rumors
Defender Sidny Lopes Cabral also shared his excitement for the global stage, viewing the World Cup as his arrival among the footballing elite. “I feel this is a great opportunity to show the world that I am ready for the biggest stages,” he remarked.
The defender also took a moment to clarify his club future following reports linking him to Turkish side Trabzonspor. “I’m staying at Benfica; I don’t know anything about those reports,” he clarified. He also reflected on his development under legendary manager José Mourinho, noting, “Working with Mourinho was great; I learned a lot.”
He briefly addressed past controversies, including a criticized jersey swap with Brazil’s Vinícius Junior. “What happened wasn’t a good idea on my part, but I’ve worked hard since then to regain my position. Football has its ups and downs, but I am ready now.”
With clinical finishing and a solid defensive performance against the Serbians, Cape Verde heads into the 2026 World Cup as a potential dark horse capable of upsetting the established order.
Image: Pexels – Lucas Andrade
