Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the former football star turned TV analyst for Fox Sports, expressed his admiration for the Cape Verde national team following their elimination from the World Cup on Saturday morning. The team lost 3-2 after extra time to the reigning champions, Argentina, in the Round of 16.
Cape Verde had a remarkable run in this year’s tournament, almost causing a significant upset against Argentina. They managed three draws in the group stage, including a notable 0-0 against Spain.
Following the match against Argentina, Ibrahimovic commended Cape Verde’s players, stating that, despite the loss, they would return home as heroes. “I can only rise and applaud Cape Verde. A small island with huge dreams, they were very close to defeating a giant. These players are true heroes and have become idols of that small island; they are stars now,” Ibrahimovic said.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Celebrates Cape Verde’s Achievement
He emphasized that the Cape Verde team did not lose any matches in regular time and underscored their near success in this match. “I am 200% convinced that when they return home, they will receive a grand welcome, with huge celebrations and a red carpet,” he added.
He reflected on the extraordinary nature of their achievement, noting, “Nobody believed it was possible, but Cape Verde did. When they return home, the entire nation will welcome them as heroes. What they have accomplished will forever remain in football history. I almost cried because moments like these are what I love most.”
Ibrahimovic highlighted that the joy of Argentina seemed secondary during the match, emphasizing that it was not merely about Argentina or Messi but about Cape Verde. “That is the beauty of football: emotion in its purest form. They did not win the World Cup, but they wrote one of the tournament’s most beautiful stories. Sometimes, a beautiful story lasts longer than the title of champion,” he concluded.
Upcoming Matches in the World Cup Round of 16
The schedule for the remaining matches in the Round of 16 includes:
- Canada vs. Morocco on July 4 at 20:00
- France vs. Paraguay on July 5 at 00:00
- Brazil vs. Norway on July 5 at 23:00
- Mexico vs. England on July 6 at 03:00
- Portugal vs. Spain on July 6 at 22:00
- USA vs. Belgium on July 7 at 03:00
- Argentina vs. Egypt on July 7 at 19:00
- Switzerland vs. Colombia on July 7 at 23:00
