CORNERFLICK
Cape Verde coach Pedro Leitão Brito, known as Bubista, says his team will face Spain with confidence rather than fear in their first World Cup 2026 match.
Speaking before the game, Bubista said Cape Verde had not travelled merely to take part. He stressed that the squad had shown maturity on the road to the tournament and should stay calm while playing with responsibility.
“We have to defend well and have courage when we have the ball,” he said. “We have been able to do that against every opponent. We trust our preparation and know there will be difficult moments, but we can also create problems for Spain.”
Bubista also said it was an honour to open against a world and European champion, adding that many people in Cape Verde support Spain. He praised Lamine Yamal as a “fantastic” player, but said his side had prepared for Spain as a team, not for one individual. Spain, he said, is much bigger than any single player, even if Yamal makes them stronger. Cape Verde’s focus, he added, is on the full 11 and the collective challenge ahead.