Cape Verde into World Cup knockouts: The lessons for small nations dreaming big

HOUSTON, Texas: Minutes after Cape Verde's historic qualification following their 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, emotions were overflowing in the stands at the Houston Stadium.

"It's an amazing feeling. My heart is beating so fast," said Cape Verdean Djamila Semedo, holding up a large cutout of goalkeeper Vozinha.

"There are a lot of emotions. I'm so proud of my country, so proud of my people."

When Cape Verde was drawn into a group with former world champions Spain and Uruguay, as well as Asian powerhouse Saudi Arabia, almost nobody had thought the African island nation would make it through to the World Cup knockouts.

But after three draws, the team sits second in Group H and has made it through to the next round, where they face reigning champion Argentina.

"(At the full-time whistle), I cried because I never dreamed to see my country in the World (Cup), playing like this, the way they did," said Ms Eidil Depina.

"You have to believe," said Cape Verde coach Bubista when asked by CNA at a pre-match conference on what it takes to follow in the footsteps of a small nation that has stunned everybody at the World Cup.

"You have to dream, and to work hard in order to make the dream come true," he added.

"You have to know that nothing is impossible."

On Friday (Jun 26) night at the Houston Stadium, this unbeaten team did just that.

"We are small but we have a big heart. We are fighters," said Vozinha in response to a question from CNA after the match.

Cape Verde have been one of the biggest stories of the World Cup in their tournament debut.

The Tubaroes Azuis, or Blue Sharks in Portuguese, stunned the world when they held European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw in their opening match.

Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, in particular, stole the