Houston [US], June 27 (HBTV): Cabo Verde midfielder Deroy Duarte described his side's historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage as surreal, saying he felt like he was living a dream after the Blue Sharks sealed their place in the Round of 32 for the first time.
'Honestly, it's mad. I feel like I'm in a dream,' Duarte said, as quoted by Reuters, after Cabo Verde held Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw in their final Group H fixture to qualify behind group winners Spain.
Reflecting on his journey, Duarte said playing at the World Cup and making history was beyond anything he had imagined. He was also named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.
'Ever since I was a kid, I've always dreamed of playing in a World Cup. To be man of the match and make history is something I could never have imagined,' he said.
The midfielder shifted his focus to the next stage of the tournament but said the team would first celebrate the historic achievement.
'First, let's celebrate. We're so happy. Let's hope all Cape Verdeans are happy too. From tomorrow, we'll focus on the next match,' Duarte said, as quoted by Reuters.
Looking ahead to the Round of 32, Duarte acknowledged the challenge of facing defending champions Argentina but remained optimistic.
'It's against Argentina, isn't it? A tough match, but let's believe. Anything is possible,' he said.
The Blue Sharks have also become the smallest nation ever to qualify for the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup.
According to the FIFA website, the island nation, which is the third smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup finals, progressed after drawing all three of its Group H matches to finish second in the standings.
Cabo Verde also became the first nation since Chile at the 1998 FIFA World Cup to advance beyond the group stage after drawing all of its group matches. (ANI)