Bubista's steady hand

A great share of the credit belongs to coach Bubista, a 56-year-old former international centre-back who has led the side since January 2020. His tenure has produced a tightly organised unit — disciplined in defence, composed in midfield, and dangerous in attack — who upset Ghana and drew with Egypt at Afcon 2023, reaching the quarter-finals on just their second appearance at the tournament.

Goalkeeper Vozinha, 40 years old, was the standout hero in the goalless opener against Spain, producing seven saves. The team's discipline was equally impressive: Cape Verde conceded only one foul against the 2010 champions — the fewest recorded by any team in a World Cup match since 1966.

Against Uruguay, they showed their attacking ambition too, fighting back for a 2-2 draw that further underlined their quality.