Ahead of the match against Spain, Cape Verde coach Bubista and captain Ryan Mendes attended the press conference.
Speaking about how he would feel hearing the Cape Verde national anthem in the beautiful stadium in Atlanta, Ryan Mendes said: "It will certainly be a bit different from what I'm used to, but the will and determination will be the same: to represent Cape Verde well and, with my teammates, do what needs to be done to try to bring joy to the people of Cape Verde once again. I've been here for a long time, and fortunately, I can still catch this train and represent Cape Verde in the FIFA World Cup. For me, it's a source of immense pride, and there is no better stage than this."
A reporter noted that the Spanish coach had previously stated that the world would see Cape Verde's capabilities, and that even if Spain won, it would be very difficult. In response, Bubista said: "We do want to show what we did during the qualifiers. We want to compete with our own characteristics, play three brave and organized games, and show the world what we are like as a team and as a nation. We know the difficulties and the strength of our opponents, but the game is still played on the field."
Speaking about how he felt after officially stepping onto the FIFA World Cup stage, Bubista said: "The message over the past few days has mainly been about enjoying the game and enjoying the FIFA World Cup. We have always said that qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is not just about Sport, but also about culture, music, and every other aspect. We want to show our country to the world."
Bubista continued: "There is no better way than to play against two world champion teams. Spain is the European champion, Argentina is the South American champion and also the world champion, and Saudi Arabia is the Asian champion. This is an incredible way to showcase our country to the world. We are very pleased to play against Spain in such a spectacular stadium in the first match, and it is a dream come true."
Regarding how to prepare for a match in a large stadium, the first match of the FIFA World Cup, against a strong opponent, Ryan Mendes said: "From a personal perspective, we must prepare for this tournament in the best possible way. But the most important thing is the team, and that our overall condition is good. This is what we have been doing. We have trained a lot so that when we come here tomorrow, we are physically, technically, and tactically ready to face Spain."
Ryan Mendes added: "It will be a very difficult game, and only by performing at our best can we hope to get something from it. The team is in good shape, and so am I. Now we just have to wait for tomorrow and hope everything goes well."
A reporter asked Bubista about his years of working with Pico Lopes. Bubista said: "It has always been a very good relationship. Pico Lopes is not only a good player but also a very good person and an excellent athlete. It is very satisfying to work with him. He is one of the players who has helped us a lot throughout the journey and has also been part of the team's transformation. He is very important to us and is a very competitive player. We can only speak highly of him, and we hope he has a good FIFA World Cup. Our team will certainly be happy with his performance."
Regarding the characteristics Cape Verde wants to show the world, Ryan Mendes said: "First, our goal is to compete without fear. We place great value on organization and want to demonstrate that. When we talk about our identity, we are also talking about who we are as a nation. We like to face challenges and overcome them."
Ryan Mendes continued: "Our team has the qualities to hurt any opponent through attacking transitions, and we want to show that. As a team, our characteristic is to stay organized. When we have the ball, we must have the courage to play; when defending, of course, we must also remain organized."
Speaking about Yamal in the Spanish team, Ryan Mendes said that Yamal is an excellent player. Bubista added: "We are preparing for the entire Spanish team. Spain is much more than just one player. Of course, as Ryan said, Spain with Yamal are obviously stronger, but we are preparing for the entire Spanish team."
Regarding the outside world’s greater focus on Spain, despite teams such as Uruguay and Saudi Arabia also being in the same group, Ryan Mendes said: "Every game will be difficult. We are now preparing for the match against Spain, which is tomorrow’s game. People talk a lot about Spain because they are certainly one of the best teams in the world, so everyone will pay close attention to this team."
Ryan Mendes also spoke about his responsibilities as captain: "We must first focus on Spain, and then look ahead to the subsequent matches. As for my responsibilities here, as captain and one of the more senior players in the team, I do have certain responsibilities, though not all of them fall on me. I try to do what I should as a player and make myself available for the coach to select. I need to stay in good form in both training and matches."
Speaking about the most difficult and most satisfying parts of this journey, Bubista said: "The most difficult thing was changing the players' mindset. We had already qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations again, so the hardest part was getting the players to focus on world-class events, on the FIFA World Cup, and finally getting here."
Bubista said: "I think we have experienced players, as well as very high-quality young players. We wanted to take this step, and thank God, we did it. The most satisfying moment was, of course, qualifying for the FIFA World Cup. This is not only a source of personal satisfaction, but also a source of satisfaction for the entire nation. The players have also, in a way, made the mindset of all Cape Verdeans, both at home and abroad, more positive, spreading the joy of this qualification. It can be said to be the most extraordinary moment in our careers."
Speaking about the relationship between team and individual performance on the FIFA World Cup stage, Ryan Mendes said: "The fact is, we are here today because of the team. We cannot make the mistake of thinking only about ourselves. We are here to represent Cape Verde, to represent the entire nation. First, we must focus on doing everything together. We have always done this, and I think we will continue to do so."
Ryan Mendes added: "There is no reason to think only about yourself just because it is the FIFA World Cup. As long as the team plays well, individuals will naturally be noticed, which is the normal law of football. From there, everything will go smoothly."
A reporter mentioned Cape Verde's first participation in the FIFA World Cup and asked whether the first match might bring tension. Bubista said: "There is indeed that danger, because it is the first match. But from my side, I am calm; there is no such danger. We are here not just to participate, but to compete. This is very clear within our team."
Bubista continued: "The team has shown considerable maturity during this period. I hope we continue in this way. Of course, this danger always exists. Strong teams like Brazil, as well as other teams experienced in such events, sometimes also encounter this situation. The first match always presents many difficulties for any team. As I said before, we try to stay calm, enjoy the game with a sense of responsibility, but also compete fearlessly. I think there is no reason for anxiety within our team."
Speaking about how to play bravely against Spain, Bubista said: "It's about doing everything within our characteristics, defending well, and having the courage to attack Spain when we have the ball. We believe we can do this against any opponent, as we have shown in the past."
Bubista said: "We know it will be difficult, and we know Spain's strength. They have a mature playing style and some of the best players in the world. But as I said before, the game is played on the field, and we also believe in our preparation. I know there will be difficult moments in the game, but we will certainly cause Spain problems as well, no doubt about that. We must remain calm."
Bubista also said: "It is an honor for us to face Spain in the first match. Spain is a world champion, European champion, and a team that almost all Cape Verdeans like. For us, having Spain as our opponent in the first match is a source of pride. We will do our best within our own characteristics. When we have the ball, we must have the courage to attack Spain; when we do not have the ball, we must be responsible and defend well. This is our characteristic."
A reporter asked about the UEFA president's remarks regarding the potential lack of appeal of an expanded FIFA World Cup, as well as the Cape Verde Football Federation's signed statement criticizing it. Bubista said: "I haven't actually read that statement, but we are very happy to be here. I think this is an opportunity for smaller teams or smaller countries to participate, enjoy the experience, and be part of the FIFA World Cup, just like us. We are here through our own efforts, so being here is a source of pride for us."
Finally, speaking about the support from Cape Verdeans around the world, Bubista said: "First, we must thank everyone for all this support. From the first day we qualified, I said that our qualification was for our people, and we are here for our people. Regardless of the outcome, I also said that our people must enjoy the game and be happy during the FIFA World Cup."
Bubista said: "I also said that, as Cape Verdeans, we cannot allow any other nation to enjoy the FIFA World Cup more than we do. So once again, I thank our people, both within and outside the archipelago, who have shown so much love for the team during this time. It is an honor to be able to represent our country here. We also hope that all Cape Verdeans scattered around the world, regardless of the outcome, will enjoy the game. Most importantly, our flag will be on the biggest stage in world football. As a small country, despite many difficulties, there is no greater joy than this. We are here with honor and pride, and we will do our best to make every Cape Verdean, whether at home or abroad, anywhere in the world, proud of our participation."