After impressive draws with Spain and Uruguay in their opening two games, the Blue Sharks knew that another share of the spoils, this time against Saudi Arabia, would see their FIFA World Cup fairytale continue.
They couldn't find the breakthrough to secure their first win on the biggest stage with Nuno da Costa crafting several chances but it mattered little as the 0-0 draw secured a mouth-watering clash with holders Argentina.
Having agonisingly watched the dying embers of Uruguay's defeat with Spain to see if they had done enough, the final whistle nearly 1,000 miles away in Guadalajara sparked unforgettable scenes for a nation who have captured the hearts of the footballing world.
The formidable task of facing Lionel Messi's Argentina now awaits in the round of 32, but regardless of the result, they have already etched their name into history as the smallest nation to reach the World Cup knockout stages.
Saluting his side's efforts
Bubista expresses the immense pride he has in his team.
“The team was very eager to show what they can do to the whole world and we are proud of what we have accomplished so far,” he said.
“We have shown once again that we are a small country but one that fights for things we want to achieve.
“We have become an example that small countries can also achieve great goals as long as they have focus, determination and work with organisation.
“For us, nothing is impossible.”
Vozinha grabbed the headlines in between the sticks in their shock stalemate with Spain in their curtain-rasier as he made seven crucial saves to preserve his clean sheet. However, the past two outings have been a more collective effort with the Blue Sharks not just being content to sit back.
The national hero analyses the strengths of his side.
“The unity and the resilience of our team has shone through,” the 56-year-old outlined.
"We have all talked about our organisation but also the desire to do things without fear.
“I think that mentally, our team has also been very strong and it was a game which demanded a lot of mental strength considering there were other results at the same time.
“I’m satisfied mainly because our team showed a desire to secure the standings from the start and our team deserves congratulations for everything they have done so far.”
A reward for years of hard work
Bubista has played an integral role in putting Cape Verde on the footballing map with qualification for the World Cup serving as a reward for the foundations he has laid since taking charge in 2020.
Having notched 16 caps as a player, the former centre-back admits he had the belief the Blue Sharks would one day compete on the biggest stage.
“I always said that sooner or later, Cape Verde would be able to be on a stage like this.
“It’s always difficult to make longer-term predictions but we’ve overcome several stages and I personally always had the conviction that it might not be in my time but I was sure that one day I would see us in this position.”
The ultimate test awaits
Celebrations went long into the night not just in Houston but also in the archipelagic island which has a population of just over half a million.
Nonetheless, attentions now turn to the daunting task of locking horns with Argentina on Friday but Bubista is relishing the opportunity to take on the three-time World champions.
“Firsly, it’s a source of pride to be able to face Argentina, a country with which we also have a long-standing connection with,” the 2025 CAF Coach of the Year explained.
“More than anything, it’s our will to do things with our own identity regardless of who the opponent is.
“We will play our game knowing Argentina have the best players in the world and for all of us, it is a source of satisfaction to be playing them.
“From the very beginning, we’ve said one of our goals is to be able to showcase our country to the world at this stage which has been excellent to do so far.”
