DUBAI: Saudi Arabia know all about World Cup shocks. From Saeed Al-Owairan’s mazy solo winner against Belgium in 1994 to Salem Al-Dawsari’s memorable strike against Argentina in 2022, the Green Falcons have provided some of the tournament’s most iconic underdog moments.
But this Saturday, Georgios Donis’ side risk finding themselves on the receiving end of the kind of World Cup upset for which Saudi Arabia have previously been responsible.
In a tournament of unpredictability, Cape Verde may have been the biggest surprise of them all. Simply qualifying for a first World Cup was a monumental achievement for the West African island nation — the third-smallest by population to ever play at the finals.
Then, on their FIFA World Cup debut, Cape Verde stunned Spain, holding the reigning European champions to a 0-0 draw in their opening Group H clash. It was a remarkable result but any accusations of beginners’ luck were soon quashed as the Blue Sharks drew 2-2 with Uruguay in their second outing.
It means that, heading into Saturday’s finale, all four sides in Group H can still make it to the Round of 32.
Cape Verde defender Diney Borges has thus far managed to keep the likes of Lamine Yamal and Federico Valverde off the World Cup scoresheet. He will be aiming to do the same against Al-Dawsari and company at Houston Stadium, which has witnessed more goals than any other venue at this World Cup.
“It would be a mistake to expect a weak team after their match against Spain,” Borges told Arab News in an exclusive interview. “On the contrary, they will come into the game wounded and determined to show that they have more quality than they displayed against Spain.
“Saudi Arabia has a very talented starting 11. I know some of the players. Technically, they are becoming more and more developed; they are quick, intense, and will certainly be motivated to become the first team to beat us at this World Cup.
“We are aware of that and know that we can only overcome them if we continue to be a true family, as we have been so far.”
Borges is more familiar with Cape Verde’s opponents than any of his teammates; since 2023, the center-back has played his club football in the UAE with Al-Bataeh.
“It has been a positive experience,” he said when asked about his time in the Gulf. “I think people in the West, because they do not follow these leagues as closely, do not fully realize just how much quality there is in these competitions.
“They are very intense and competitive leagues, and more and more talented players from these countries are emerging. I also believe that the increasing professionalization of clubs, organizations, and football structures has helped raise the overall standard of players.”
Having spent the past three seasons in the UAE, Borges has watched the rapid evolution of football in the Gulf at close quarters. He believes the transformation of the Saudi Pro League has helped raise the standard of the national team, with elite foreign talent accelerating the development of local players.
“We know that Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival was extremely important in helping change perceptions and encouraging other players to join the league,” Borges said.
“After that, there was a complete transformation. Many top players, still performing at a very high level, moved there, making the league more attractive and competitive. Players are now more willing to join because they know there is quality.
“The league is followed by millions of people thanks to the stars who play there, and all of this has helped raise the level of the country’s own players, because they also want to keep up with their teammates and opponents.
“The league has enormous potential to continue growing over the coming years.”
Although Borges recognizes the quality possessed by the Green Falcons, he believes Cape Verde have earned the right to feel they can continue one of the stories of the tournament. If the Blue Sharks progress, they will emulate the achievement of Saudi Arabia’s fabled 1994 team in reaching the knockout stages on their tournament debut.
“We have played two matches and achieved two very good results. One of our objectives, to be competitive and stay true to ourselves and our identity, can be considered accomplished,” Borges said.
“Beyond that, I feel that, through everything we have already achieved, we have put Cape Verde on the map. Now we have another objective ahead of us. We have always believed it was possible to fight for a place in the next round of the competition.
“We have one big final left against Saudi Arabia. Our opponent is very strong, and it will be a match that either team can win.
“We feel confident and believe in ourselves, but we must keep our feet on the ground and try to reproduce the same intensity, the same joy, and the same desire to compete. We have to give everything, and I am certain that we will.”
