A memorable FIFA World Cup™ campaign can leave a legacy that stretches far beyond the tournament itself. That has certainly been the case for Cabo Verde.
The second-smallest nation ever to compete at a World Cup enjoyed a remarkable debut on football's biggest stage, remaining unbeaten over 90 minutes against both finalists, Spain and Argentina, while Sidny Lopes Cabral was awarded the .
Less than two weeks after the tournament concluded, Cabo Verdean football is preparing for another historic milestone. The nation is about to make their first-ever appearance at the CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
Ahead of their opening match in Morocco, attacking midfielder Ivania Moreira spoke to FIFA about how the men's exploits in North America have inspired the team as they bid to secure a place at the .
Ivania Moreira: Personally, I'm really excited and can't wait to get on the pitch. It's something we've always dreamed about, although for a long time it felt a little out of reach. Now it's become reality, and it's very… It's hard to put into words. I'm so happy. As a team, we're very united and very strong. I believe we're going to have a good tournament, I believe in this group and I believe we can get out of the group.
For us, it's almost like we're already at a World Cup. This is our first appearance. We're a very small country and our women's national team has only been around for a few years. We only started trying to qualify for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations two years ago. We made it at our second attempt, and that's already incredibly rewarding, so I'm very happy.
Absolutely. Getting out of the group would be something we'd really celebrate. We're still a young team. For us, getting out of the group would already be a victory. Of course we want to go much further, but the most important thing is to compete and give ourselves the chance.
It's inspiring. They went there for the first time as a small country. It's exactly the same for us at our first Women's Africa Cup of Nations. What they achieved gives us even more confidence, determination and desire to follow in their footsteps.
I really like Willy Semedo. We play in almost the same position, and he's quick like I am, so that makes me identify with him even more. But I like all of them.
It's a hugely positive example, both individually and collectively. As a national team, it showed that the name of Cabo Verde can reach even greater heights. That makes me very happy.
We're so grateful for all the support from the Brazilian fans. We support them too. Cabo Verde and Brazil share so much culturally, like the way we love to dance. It would be a dream to play in Brazil. God willing, we'll do everything we can to win.
I'm a huge fan of Marta. She's the greatest. Every player should look up to her.
Once the match starts, it's 11 against 11. We'll play with determination, desire and motivation. We have a bigger goal we're chasing, and we'll give everything we have in every match to get there.
Sources: FIFA Official
