THE one time a Spanish attacker got away from ‘Pico’ Lopes cost him – but only after the match.
The Cape Verde captain, born and bred Dubliner Roberto Lopes, had decided to break one of his personal rules and swap shirts with opponents at this World Cup.
However, a team-mate got there before him, so he held onto his own top, and reflected that it will be a more prized possession for him after their famous 0-0 draw against European Champions Spain.
“Do you know what, I never looked to swap jerseys, but I think I’ve had a word with myself in this tournament and said, ‘Do you know what, I’m going to break that sort of rule.’
“I looked to swap the striker Oyarzabal’s jersey but my defensive counterpart got there before me – and after that, I was like ‘Look, it wasn’t meant to be. It’s not what I do’.
“So I just went back in and, to be fair, I think that Cape Verde jersey, my first ever at the World Cup, that’ll be going back to with me, so I’m really glad that I didn’t swap it.”
Roperto Lopes in Shamrock Rovers colours.
REUTERS/Eva Korinkova/File Photo (Eva Korinkova/REUTERS)
The Shamrock Rovers defender was at the heart of Cape Verde’s heroic defensive display against one of the favourites for this World Cup.
Even in the aftermath of an incredible outcome he had the presence of mind to think that he doesn’t normally go crazy after a draw – but this an extremely precious point in the circumstances:
“It’s definitely a surreal moment. I suppose after the game I felt a bit lost in the headlights. I was just looking for my family and just wanted to celebrate that moment with them.
“But then afterwards you’re in the air of ‘What just happened here?’
“I suppose in a competitive environment it’s really unusual to be celebrating a draw but I had some time to myself in the dressing room reflecting on it.
“That point, what that means, was of course a point at a World Cup against one of the best teams in the world.
“It’s a very happy moment for us and I’m very proud of this group.”
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has become a viral sensation after shutting out Spain on Monday (Mike Stewart/AP) (Mike Stewart/AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
It was a draw which was very much regarded as a victory for Cape Verde, and Lopes was delighted their game-plan had worked out so well:
“I suppose we knew going into the game we’d be up against it, they’d have most of the ball and we’d have to be resolute in our defending and look, maybe hope that they had a bit of an off day in terms of firing at the goal.
“Look, thankfully, our goalkeeper, Vozinha, he was amazing and he deserves all the plaudits. He’s 40 years of age and putting in performances like that.
“I think to man defensively we were very, very good and probably deserved that point.
“From an attacking point of view we probably only showed a bit of danger towards the end when the subs came on, they really helped us get through the game.
“But to get a point against a massive team, us not expecting to get anything from it, it just goes to show why we love the game.”
Cape Verde fans Lwam Mahari, Viviany Barbosa Brito, Bruna Barbosa, Ginaldo Verdieu, and Alex Monteiro celebrate after watching the match on a screen at Town Field Park in Dorchester.
Pic: REUTERS/Taylor Coester (Taylor Coester/REUTERS)
‘Pico’ had a brief reunion with his wife and young son the day before the game, and then saw them at the match, having checked out their location in the ground before kick-off:
“I only got to see them in the stadium. I managed to sort of scope where they’d be sitting before the game. I had an idea where they’d be sitting in the stadium.
“I managed to look up and wave in the direction and I could see them waving back.
“Then after the game, we were straight from the stadium to the airport back in Tampa that night.
I didn’t get to stay around in the stadium, but the day before the game, I was able to see Leah and Diego and the family at the hotel, which was lovely.
“It feels like forever since I’ve been back at home and just in that sort of natural routine of waking up with the baby and obviously going to the training and just being around everybody. Just to have that moment and just to give them both a squeeze was really nice.”
Cape Verde have become the favourite second side of everyone in the world – apart from Spaniards, perhaps – and Lopes has been touched by all the goodwill coming towards him and his team-mates:
“I have messages still on my phone today from the people back home. Some people probably haven’t had more than two conversations with me, but they reached out to me and sent their well-wishes and congratulations.
“It’s amazing. It’s overwhelming, really, the support that I’ve had from back home.
“That’s all from friends, family, Shamrock Rovers fans, League of Ireland fans, and people who just managed to pick up on this Cape Verde story and just think it’s the best thing ever.
“Honestly, some really, really nice messages that I have coming through and I’m hoping to get back to everyone. It’ll be difficult, but I’ll try my best.”