Cape Verde Clinches Historic World Cup Spot with 3-0 Victory Over Eswatini
Cape Verde achieved a historic milestone by securing a spot in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Their qualification was marked by a decisive 3-0 victory against Eswatini on Monday, played at the National Stadium in Praia.
Cape Verde’s Journey to World Cup Qualification
The Tubarões Azuis, or Blue Sharks, have made significant strides in international football. With a population of just under 600,000, this victory sends them to their first World Cup tournament. Their journey to the tournament is remarkable, considering they only made their Africa Cup of Nations debut in 2013.
Unbeaten Home Streak
Under the guidance of coach Bubista, Cape Verde remained unbeaten on home soil. They played five qualifying matches at home, achieving four victories and conceding no goals. One of their standout performances was a narrow 1-0 win over formidable opponents Cameroon.
- Matches Played at Home: 5
- Victories: 4
- Goals Conceded at Home: 0
Key Players Shine
The team’s success is attributed to the contributions of several key players. Dailon Livramento, Willy Semedo, and Stopira scored shortly after halftime in their match against Eswatini, ensuring their victory was undisputed. These goals sealed the result, making the outcome of Cameroon’s match with Angola irrelevant.
Historical Context
Cape Verde’s footballing history has evolved significantly over the decades. After gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, Cape Verde joined FIFA in 1982. Since then, they have become an integral part of African football.
Top Performers
Many players who contributed to this feat have significant experience. The roster includes four of the five most capped players in the nation’s history:
- Ryan Mendes – All-time top scorer with 22 goals
- Vozinha
- Stopira
- Garry Rodrigues
As Cape Verde prepares for the World Cup, they aim to build on this historic achievement and showcase their footballing talents on the global stage.
