Miami, July 3 (IANS): Underdogs Cabo Verde have sent a clear message of defiance ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 clash against defending champions Argentina. Head coach Bubista on Friday shrugged off any notions of being mere spectators, insisting his debutant side has earned its place among the world’s top 32 teams and is ready to provide a stern test at Miami Stadium.

The African nation advanced from a challenging group containing Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia by securing three hard-fought draws. They now face an Argentina side that cruised through Group J with three convincing victories. Despite the daunting challenge, Cabo Verde’s camp exudes quiet confidence and determination.

“If other teams had no respect, the problem is theirs. We trust in what we do, in what we have done. We demonstrated this in our qualification, with also quite difficult teams. We are here by our merit,” Bubista told a pre-match press conference, responding to a question about whether his side had been underestimated.

The coach emphasised that his players have relished facing strong opponents and intend to carry the same spirit into the knockout match. “We enjoyed the three games, face-to-face with the opponents, with the possibility of winning the games. That’s what we’re going to do tomorrow. We know the quality of our opponent, but we have our dream, we continue with it.”

Bubista made it clear that the game plan is designed to counter the entire Argentina team rather than focusing solely on superstar Lionel Messi. “We know that Argentina is the current world champion and is one of the best teams in the competition, and that’s where our task will be — for all the Argentina team. Obviously, we know that Messi is one of the best players in the world. But everything we did with our team we will have to do for the entire Argentina team,” he said.

Defender Stopira echoed the collective approach, stressing that the team is united in its mission to trouble the title holders. “We don’t just look at Messi himself; we know Messi’s ability and Messi’s quality, but we look at the whole Argentina team. We want to do our job on the field and make Argentina’s life as difficult as possible,” Stopira said.

The coach highlighted the need for a balanced mindset to create an upset. “First of all, against the current champion, we want to have courage; during the game, have humility; and try to play a good game. We want our players to enjoy the game itself, but with humility, with fire and determination to overcome our opponent,” Bubista explained.

Stopira, who is yet to feature in the tournament, displayed exemplary team spirit when addressing his limited playing time. “I am very proud of what my teammates are doing in the defensive part. It doesn’t occur to me to be angry. I give all my support to my teammates to keep doing what we are doing,” said the 38-year-old defender. “The most important thing is that we arrive at the match trying to overcome and achieve the goal that keeps us going.”

When asked about social media discussions suggesting Argentina may have benefited from favourable refereeing, Bubista chose to stay focused on football. “We have nothing to say about it. We prefer to face the games with concentration on the game itself, on what we can do. Refereeing is a separate matter. We will always think that we will have a good refereeing team that can make a good game. On our part we always try to play with fair play, with discipline. Refereeing is not our focus,” he stated firmly.

As the knockout stage begins, Cabo Verde’s journey represents the romance of the World Cup — a debutant nation ready to test its mettle against the best. While Argentina enter as clear favourites, Bubista and his players have shown through their words and earlier performances that they are prepared to compete with courage, discipline, and unwavering belief in their collective strength.

The clash at Miami Stadium promises to be an intriguing contest where experience and pedigree meet youthful ambition and tactical discipline. For Cabo Verde, the objective remains simple yet ambitious: to make the reigning champions work hard for every point and, if possible, extend their dream run in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Miami, July 3 (IANS): Underdogs Cabo Verde have sent a clear message of defiance ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 clash against defending champions Argentina. Head coach Bubista on Friday shrugged off any notions of being mere spectators, insisting his debutant side has earned its place among the world’s top 32 teams and is ready to provide a stern test at Miami Stadium.

The African nation advanced from a challenging group containing Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia by securing three hard-fought draws. They now face an Argentina side that cruised through Group J with three convincing victories. Despite the daunting challenge, Cabo Verde’s camp exudes quiet confidence and determination.

“If other teams had no respect, the problem is theirs. We trust in what we do, in what we have done. We demonstrated this in our qualification, with also quite difficult teams. We are here by our merit,” Bubista told a pre-match press conference, responding to a question about whether his side had been underestimated.

The coach emphasised that his players have relished facing strong opponents and intend to carry the same spirit into the knockout match. “We enjoyed the three games, face-to-face with the opponents, with the possibility of winning the games. That’s what we’re going to do tomorrow. We know the quality of our opponent, but we have our dream, we continue with it.”

Bubista made it clear that the game plan is designed to counter the entire Argentina team rather than focusing solely on superstar Lionel Messi. “We know that Argentina is the current world champion and is one of the best teams in the competition, and that’s where our task will be — for all the Argentina team. Obviously, we know that Messi is one of the best players in the world. But everything we did with our team we will have to do for the entire Argentina team,” he said.

Defender Stopira echoed the collective approach, stressing that the team is united in its mission to trouble the title holders. “We don’t just look at Messi himself; we know Messi’s ability and Messi’s quality, but we look at the whole Argentina team. We want to do our job on the field and make Argentina’s life as difficult as possible,” Stopira said.

The coach highlighted the need for a balanced mindset to create an upset. “First of all, against the current champion, we want to have courage; during the game, have humility; and try to play a good game. We want our players to enjoy the game itself, but with humility, with fire and determination to overcome our opponent,” Bubista explained.

Stopira, who is yet to feature in the tournament, displayed exemplary team spirit when addressing his limited playing time. “I am very proud of what my teammates are doing in the defensive part. It doesn’t occur to me to be angry. I give all my support to my teammates to keep doing what we are doing,” said the 38-year-old defender. “The most important thing is that we arrive at the match trying to overcome and achieve the goal that keeps us going.”

When asked about social media discussions suggesting Argentina may have benefited from favourable refereeing, Bubista chose to stay focused on football. “We have nothing to say about it. We prefer to face the games with concentration on the game itself, on what we can do. Refereeing is a separate matter. We will always think that we will have a good refereeing team that can make a good game. On our part we always try to play with fair play, with discipline. Refereeing is not our focus,” he stated firmly.

As the knockout stage begins, Cabo Verde’s journey represents the romance of the World Cup — a debutant nation ready to test its mettle against the best. While Argentina enter as clear favourites, Bubista and his players have shown through their words and earlier performances that they are prepared to compete with courage, discipline, and unwavering belief in their collective strength.

The clash at Miami Stadium promises to be an intriguing contest where experience and pedigree meet youthful ambition and tactical discipline. For Cabo Verde, the objective remains simple yet ambitious: to make the reigning champions work hard for every point and, if possible, extend their dream run in the FIFA World Cup 2026.