Cape Verde star has celebrations cut short despite historic World Cup – ‘Would you believe it?’

Cape Verde star Pico Lopes had to put his World Cup celebrations on hold after he was called to undergo a post-match doping test.

Lopes played a starring role for the world No. 64 as they held Saudi Arabia to a 0-0 draw.

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The point ensured Cape Verde ended the group stage unbeaten with three points having drawn all of their games, including an improbable 0-0 stalemate against World Cup favourites Spain.

More importantly, the draw with Saudi Arabia elevated Cape Verde to second place in Group H, securing them a berth in the round of 32 against reigning champions Argentina.

What makes Cape Verde’s achievement all the more special is the fact they are competing in their first World Cup.

They are undeniably the Cinderella story of this year’s tournament, with Lopes, an ex-Dublin bank worker who received his call-up to the national team via a LinkedIn message, at the heart of it.

Lopes is no dope

As Cape Verde’s players and staff soaked up their historic achievement, Shamrock Rovers defender Lopes revealed to Irish broadcaster RTE that he had to wait a little while longer to enjoy the moment.

While on a FaceTime to Rovers boss Stephen Bradley, Lopes said: “Would you believe I got called for doping?”

Bradley replied: “Do you know what, after the last three performances and how you passed the ball, I’d be giving you a test as well.”

Lopes has been an integral part of a back line that boasts a better defensive record than the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland at this year’s World Cup.

On to the next

However, the 34-year-old’s task is about to become far more difficult in the round of 32 when they face Argentina.

Aside from the obvious threat of Lionel Messi, who became the World Cup record goalscorer at this year’s tournament, Lopes will have to contend with the likes of Lautaro Martinez and Enzo Fernandez.

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Lopes is ready for the challenge as he continues to live out his dreams, despite Argentina being ranked 62 places higher.

“The first two games were amazing, they gave us a great opportunity, but it would have meant nothing if we had gone and spoiled it today,” Lopes said.

“Thankfully we held our nerve, got the point that we needed and now we’ve got a great game to look forward to.”

Cape Verde boss Bubista is equally excited about facing Argentina, especially because it will help showcase what the small island nation from Africa is all about.

“To us, nothing is impossible,” Bubista said during his post-match press conference.

“Ourselves and the people of Cape Verde have to be proud of what the team has done.

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“First of all, we are proud to be able to play Argentina.

“From the beginning, we’ve said that one of the purposes we had was to show our country to the rest of the world.

“To be able to play Argentina and Messi in a phase like this is excellent for our country, regardless of the match itself.”