'World Cup's greatest upset': Messi's last dance nearly ruined... "Forget Ronaldo, Haaland, Kane" Cape Verde's 'gorgeous exit'

*This content was translated by AI.

This is the greatest upset of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Evaluated as the tournament's weakest team, Cape Verde left a powerful impression and concluded its World Cup journey.

On the 4th (Korean time), British media outlet 'BBC' highlighted that "Cape Verde, bidding farewell, was an underdog that will never be forgotten," adding, "Forget Lionel Messi (Argentina), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Erling Haaland (Norway), and Harry Kane (England). A nation making its World Cup debut has become the center of attention."

Truly a rebellion of the underdogs. Cape Verde was not a team that drew much attention, ranked 67th in the FIFA rankings. However, they secured their first-ever points with a 0-0 draw against Spain in the group stage, then scored their first goal against Uruguay, finishing with three draws and dramatically advancing to the knockout round.

In the Round of 32 match against defending champion Argentina, their potential exploded. After conceding the opening goal to Argentina's Messi, they equalized at 1-1 and pushed the match into extra time. Although they conceded another goal in extra time, Sydney Lopez Cabral's fantastic shot restored the balance at 2-2. However, Cape Verde ultimately suffered a heartbreaking 2-3 defeat when Christian Romero's header deflected off Dinei Borges for an unfortunate own goal. As the final whistle blew, Cape Verde players collapsed on the pitch, shedding tears.

Former Scotland national team player James McFadden told 'BBC', "Cape Verde lost but they won," praising them by saying, "They showed courage, solidarity, unity, and a firm belief in who they are and what they can achieve. This tournament's story is about Cape Verde."

Manchester United legend Gary Neville also said, "One of the best games ever shown by an underdog," adding, "The players are crying because they have to go home. They don't want to leave. For some players, it was a magical yet heartbreaking moment that may never come again."

Cape Verde coach Boubista told reporters after the match, "We are a small country, but we showed we can compete against the world's best teams, and I am proud of that," expressing his emotion by saying, "It is unbelievable to have equalized twice against the world champions."

Roberto Lopez (Shamrock), who played in all four of Cape Verde's matches, told 'BBC', "One of the best outcomes from this World Cup is that no one will now ask where Cape Verde is on the map. That itself is history. We are a small country but have a big heart, and we showed the possibility that if you believe, you can achieve."

In particular, the performance of veteran goalkeeper Bozija, who was without a club at the time, stood out. After making seven saves in the match against Spain, he raised the flag high while shedding tears, becoming a global hero. He added eight more saves in the Argentina match, recording a total of 18 saves in this tournament.

Neville said about Bozija, "Every play was calm and composed. Where on earth did he come from? He will find a good club soon," expressing confidence, while Arsenal legend Ian Wright also praised him, calling him "a player with the energy of a hero."

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*This content was translated by AI.