Pico Lopes says Cape Verde's World Cup hopes remain in their own hands as the team prepares for a decisive final group match against Saudi Arabia.
Cape Verde defender Pico Lopes says the squad is fully focused on its final group-stage match against Saudi Arabia, knowing victory will secure progression to the next phase of the World Cup. Speaking ahead of the decisive fixture in Houston, Lopes said confidence is high within the camp despite the disappointment of drawing with Uruguay in the previous match.
"The mood is good. Obviously, it's our final group game, but we're going into it with everything to play for and it's all in our hands," he said. "So we know what a win will do for me and my progress to the next round. So we're really looking forward to attacking the game from the start."
Reflecting on the draw with Uruguay, Lopes said Cape Verde had successfully executed much of its game plan and frustrated its opponents for long periods.
"It was a great game for the neutrals," he said. "I thought we were playing well in terms of how our game plan was going. We frustrated them a lot of times."
Lopes said scoring the team's first goal was a significant moment but admitted the side lost its organisation before half-time, allowing Uruguay to score twice from situations Cape Verde had specifically prepared to defend.
"Unfortunately, it's a shame that for half-time we lost our organisation and we got a bit disjointed," he said. "That led to two goals, which the goals were exactly what we tried to nullify in the game."
Despite falling behind, Lopes praised his teammates for their response after the break.
"The pleasing thing was we were grouped really well at half-time, showed really good character and bravery to go out and actually play and create a few more chances and take the game to Uruguay," he said. "Then we pounced on an opportunity and got that equaliser. On another day, we might have nicked it."
Lopes also addressed a late headed chance from a corner, saying he believed he had made solid contact with the ball.
"I did connect with it. I haven't seen it back but I thought I connected with it quite well," he said. "The defender behind me was in a good position. I actually thought it was a great opportunity."
Cape Verde enters the final group match with two points and knows a victory will guarantee qualification. Lopes said reaching this position was always the objective, even if it was never expected to be straightforward.
"I wouldn't say expected but it's a position that we wanted to be in," he said. "We knew it would be difficult but we knew we could achieve it."
He added that the team remains determined not to underestimate Saudi Arabia.
"It's a great opportunity for us and we can't get drawn in thinking that's going to be an easy game or a foregone conclusion," Lopes said. "I think Saudi Arabia are a really good team. They have some real quality in the side."
Lopes said the players have settled into the rhythm of the tournament after arriving in America and believes the team is ready to take advantage of the opportunity in front of them.
"This is a great opportunity for us to do it. We should be full of confidence and I believe we can do it," he said. "You won't get this opportunity again. Knowing that's in your hands, you're not waiting on results elsewhere."
Rather than thinking about possible opponents in the next round, Lopes said the squad's attention is entirely on the upcoming match.
"You can't get caught up into a maybe or this or what ifs," he said. "It's Saudi Arabia. That's the most important game for us because it's the next game."
The match will be played in an air-conditioned stadium in Houston, something Lopes welcomed after experiencing the heat during Cape Verde's previous fixture in Miami.
"There was a big difference between our first game in Atlanta and our second game in Miami," he said. "Miami was very, very warm."
Away from the pitch, Lopes said his family and Cape Verde supporters have been enjoying the tournament experience, with fans creating lasting memories throughout the team's World Cup campaign.
"The Cape Verde fans are brilliant," he said. "They're really just enjoying being here and being a part of it and having something to show for."
He also said he has been overwhelmed by the backing from Ireland, where friends and family have been sending messages throughout the tournament.
"I'm really sort of overwhelmed with support from Irish people," Lopes said. "It's brilliant and I'm looking forward to thanking everyone when I am home."
With qualification still in Cape Verde's hands, Lopes said the team's focus remains on delivering the result needed against Saudi Arabia in Houston and making the most of the opportunity to reach the next phase of the tournament.
