President Neves Predicts Cape Verde Can Beat Argentina

Cape Verde President Jose Maria Neves is bullish of his country's national football team's chances of beating defending champions Argentina when they meet in the Round of 32 of the World Cup.

Also Read:Cape Verde's World Cup Fairy Tale Inspires the World

Cape Verde has been the surprise package of the tournament so far and have advanced beyond the group stage on their debut appearance after holding Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to collect three points from three matches.

Neves praised the team's fearless performances and said the island nation had already shown it could compete with the world's best teams.

"We respect Argentina and everything they have achieved, but we are not afraid of anyone. Our players have shown great courage and belief, and I think we can beat Argentina," he said.

Neves congratulated the players and coaching staff for their historic World Cup campaign, describing their progress to the knockout stage as a landmark achievement for Cape Verdean football.

"This team has made our nation proud. They have united the country and inspired a new generation of young footballers. Whatever happens next, they have already written a remarkable chapter in our sporting history," the added.

Neves urged the players to continue believing in themselves ahead of the next phase of the competition.

"Football is decided on the pitch, not by reputation. If we play with the same determination, organisation and confidence that brought us this far, we can compete with any team in the world," he said.