After Cape Verde drew with Spain, captain Ryan Mendes was interviewed by beIN Sports.
Before the match, many in the world of football probably thought Spain would easily win this game, and you were the underdogs. How important is this result for Cape Verde, as it's your first time participating in the FIFA World Cup?
We faced a very, very strong team today, and it was a really tough game. But we showed our fighting spirit and our strength because our defense was very good. We also tried to attack, but it was really difficult today. I think this draw is a very good result for us because we put in a lot of effort.
Your goalkeeper also made a few key saves, right?
Yes, he made some excellent saves. But I also don't think the opponent had many truly clear chances. Of course, we are all very happy today, all the players and staff are happy, and all of Cape Verde will be proud of us. This is truly incredible for us.
I imagine many people might not have known much about your country before. But after today, everyone will start talking about your performance, because you faced a very talented Spanish team.
That's why we're here. We came here to show everyone who we are and where we come from. We have a beautiful country and many excellent people. We want to show Cape Verde to the world. I think through this match, everyone will know Cape Verde.
Of course, today, the most important thing for you was defense. You defended very well. But after Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams came on, the game clearly became more difficult than before. How did you manage to stay compact and prevent them from scoring?
It's definitely very difficult to play against these types of players. But from the beginning to the end of the match, we all stuck together. We defended together, and we did everything together, which is the most important thing. We knew it would be tough today, and we did face a lot of pressure, but in the end, we earned a point. This is very important for us.
Riodekpsuy
0
there is nothing to know you were just defending
Urz
1
Ferran made all this interview possible. If yamal was a starter today y’all wouldn’t be saying this now. But kudus to Cabo Verde tho. Great strength
wutbcdinrz
1
I will take my next vacation to Cabo Verde if they make it past the group phase, and I will change my name to Cabo Verde if they win the WC.
Shugarzizzle
0
there's no good football in Spanish
Go and chop grass he goat
Sofreshh
0
Damn right Spain was ass
Huadektz
0
Cape Verde performed excellently. I wonder if Nigeria 🇳🇬 could give that kind of performance.
Nigeria has ever beated Spain in the world finals 1998 edition
Wikdknpst
1
there's no good football in Spanish
Widbiltz
1
Cape Verde performed excellently. I wonder if Nigeria 🇳🇬 could give that kind of performance.
Seocdekntz
2
Kudos to you and your teammates. Africa is proud of you
yudabimnpt
2
you are right captain
yoecdilsz
1
football is a game of 11/Players each and if everyone keeps focus it always ends draw, congratulations.
fanaceiop
4
I'm a neutral fan, it's amazing how Cape Verde can put Spain millionaire players back down to earth! Well done Cape Verde
Emchi
7
Cape Verde are an African Portuguese Nation