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3 min readJul 4, 2026 01:45 PM IST
Cape Verde became the smallest nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup knockout stages on Saturday. (AP Photo)
The aftermath of Argentina’s 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in the World Cup Round of 32 game was all applause for the African nation, following an incredible showing against the defending world champions and for pushing them to the limit. French Legend Thierry Henry was full of praise for the World Cup debutants, considering how this small nation exceeded every expectation at their first World Cup.
It required a goal and an assist from Lionel Messi, to take the Argentinians forward in the tournament and prevent one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.
“You know what’s actually impressive? It is not so much on how they played and everything, which is impressive, but the number of people who live there,” said Henry on Fox Sports‘ post match show.
The Arsenal icon heaped a lot of praise towards the Cape Verde’s players and manager, being impressed by their passion, grit and ever present ‘never give up’ mentality.
Reflecting on the Cape Verdeans’ performance against the South American giants, Henry added, “How do you believe that you can do that? This is why I always say to people like, it reminds me, I know it’s not the same competition, Iceland. And what Iceland did at one point, and I know it was the Euro (first appearance in 2016, reaching quarterfinals) and I know it was against your beloved England, but it reminded me, sorry, that it does not matter the amount of people that you have, if you have that belief that you can achieve something, you can always do it.”
“Make them know and let them know where you’re from with how you perform. Now everybody knows where Cabo Verde is. That is the most important thing.”
Argentina experienced one of their most difficult outings in recent memory on a football pitch, considering that the Verdeans came back after being behind twice in the game, for what was earlier thought to be a one-sided contest.
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Initially after being drawn in the same group as Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, the expectations of this nation even winning a game here were almost nonexistent. But after holding the current European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw thanks to the heroics of their 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, and also scoring their first-ever World Cup goals in a 2-2 draw against Uruguay, the Verdeans, against all odds, qualified for the knockout stage.
Written by Madhav Sachdeva, an intern with the online sports desk.
English (US) ·