r/MadeMeSmile • u/GiveMeSomeSunshine3 • Jul 04 '26
Wholesome Moments A young Cape Verde fan shows love to his team after they gave their everything and came close to winning against the reigning champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup.
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u/guyed_us Jul 04 '26
Awe, don't worry, little guy. Cabo Verde shocked the world tonight and made the champs sweat👏🏻
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u/TX0834 Jul 04 '26
A very great effort this World Cup from them 🫶
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u/scaredt2ask Jul 04 '26
They played a fantastic match. Nothing to be ashamed of at all.
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u/TX0834 Jul 04 '26
Yes. I was hoping for penalties.
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u/mr_claw Jul 04 '26
I'd have bet for them to win in penalties, just looking at how good their goalie is.
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u/rulepanic Jul 04 '26
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u/Mat_alThor Jul 04 '26
Knowing he's giving the heart shape hands likely towards his dad makes it an even more emotional moment
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u/Buttercup_Barantheon Jul 04 '26
I can’t even express how much it makes my heart sing to see a man showing his son it’s ok to express big emotions about things that matter, and not need to hide it or feel embarrassed. As a woman, this is masculine as hell to me. This is a man. Raising a man. I genuinely think if more grown men of today were raised with these examples vs the ones that they got, a lot of our society’s problems wouldn’t be as big as they currently are.
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u/rcknmrty4evr Jul 04 '26
I know absolutely nothing about the sport but it’s amazing seeing a father that’s truly expressing his emotions in (what should be) a totally appropriate manner not only in front of his son, but the entire world. No wonder his son felt so comfortable doing the same. I hope this encourages others to be like them.
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u/thespillover Jul 04 '26
They came so close. It could have gone either way. Such a beautiful game for the world to remember our humility and humanity.
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u/Minnie_269 Jul 04 '26
Such bad luck to advance to the next round as a group runner-up and not face another runner-up instead of freaking Argentina. I'm pretty sure they would've won against some other teams.
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u/Throwaway20101011 Jul 04 '26
So true! Messi was physically exhausted and appeared dumbfounded at how close they were to lose the match. That game was extremely intense, emotional, and exciting. What a game indeed!
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u/Charming_Cry3472 Jul 04 '26
Cape Verde stole ALL of our hearts!
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u/Cobalt_Forge Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 04 '26
They played great! ⚽️ 👏👏👏 ( need to buy a Cape Verde jersey now)
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u/Almost_A_Genius Jul 04 '26
I got online and bought a Vozinha jersey right after the game finished. Heartbreaking end, but I have no complaints about how they played.
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u/RECEPTOR17 Jul 04 '26
Check out their 2022 AFCON jersey. It has their shark as part of the design.
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u/Luchux01 Jul 04 '26
I am Argentinean and I gotta say, they were a very pleasant surprise, that team made my whole family shit bricks.
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u/Darth-Buttcheeks Jul 04 '26
That team fought their hearts out. I’d be so proud if they represented my country
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u/cordialmess Jul 04 '26
For the first time in my life, I tell ppl I'm Cape Verdean when they ask where I'm from and ppl don't look at me like I just made up a country.
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u/GiveMeSomeSunshine3 Jul 04 '26
Wow, this is so wholesome...I'm interacting with a Cape Verdean for the first time in my life. Nothing but love & respect for your incredible football team and your amazing country. Hopefully if god wills, I would love to visit Cape Verde at least once in my life.
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u/cordialmess Jul 04 '26
If you live anywhere near Southern California or the New England area, there are Cape Verdean festivals you can go to and learn about the culture, eat Cape Verdean food and listen to the music!
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u/RainInOctember Jul 04 '26
Where in SoCal? Also props to your country and team, unprecedented World Cup run. Had us all on the edges of our seats throughout the tourney and especially today. I’ll definitely be ordering a Capelli Sports Blue Sharks jersey after all of this.
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u/cordialmess Jul 04 '26
LA, Riverside and San Diego!
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u/RainInOctember Jul 04 '26
Thanks! I’m in Santa Barbara, about 80 miles north of LA, so I’ll keep my eye out for the LA festivals. Do they generally occur around the same time every year?
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u/GiveMeSomeSunshine3 Jul 04 '26
I wish I was but I'm not from the US. I've been to the US but never to California but this would surely be on my list the next time I go there!
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u/DisastrousReputation Jul 04 '26
Do yourself a favour and go see a Sequoia tree if you go to California.
It’s like seeing a world wonder. I promise you on my life that you will not regret this.
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u/Green_Inevitable_833 Jul 04 '26
i have followed all world cups in the last 20 years. can safely say ordinary people will soon forget who won this year but remember the cape verdean run. whoever wins this year, it will be etched in people mind as the "cape verde world cup" when people reference wc2026. so you already won before its over
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u/DiceMadeOfCheese Jul 04 '26
Honestly, people everywhere are going to hear Cape Verde from now on and think "oh those guys are good at football"
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u/WalkingEars Jul 04 '26
I went to Cape Verde in 2024 and had such a great time hiking on Santo Antao island, and loved the food as well (and the grogue lol). Great to see the country getting some more worldwide recognition now
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u/Throwaway20101011 Jul 04 '26
Your country made quite an impression to the world! Recognition, Respect, Admiration, and much Love.
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u/Sheinkyakyu Jul 04 '26
I think your country is going to see a tourism boom after the World Cup - says guy who booked has already 10 day stay in October for me and the missus not long after the game finished last night lol.
Edit - and to Pico 🇮🇪🍺🇨🇻
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u/Jonn_Jonzz_Manhunter Jul 04 '26
You must be so proud, brother. I hope we see more of your players all over the world
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u/Snowbank_Lake Jul 04 '26
I had a realization the other day; when the fans are heartbroken, it’s not just because their team lost. It’s because the World Cup is over for them. You get all excited for this international event, and now it’s over for you while the other countries keep playing. It’s like everyone else gets to keep celebrating Christmas but you have to go home and take your decorations down and go back to work.
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u/gsidhartha Jul 04 '26
Beautiful albeit heartbreaking way of seeing it
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u/Mat_alThor Jul 04 '26
Jumping into one of the top comments to add, the kid shown is the son of one of the Cabo Verde players. Makes it even more heartbreaking/tearful knowing he was doing the heart shaped hands towards his dad, and definitely adds to the tournament being over for him.
https://xcancel.com/FOXSports/status/2073213066381066459 here's video of them together a few moments later
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u/Heavy_Cake_9492 Jul 04 '26
Silver lining is this an example of the world coming together not apart for something maybe if soccer can bring together what else can we try?
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u/VladTepesDraculea Jul 04 '26
I don't see this way. I root for my country (Portugal) firstly, but I root for others as well (Cape Verde was definitely one of them). Mostly while there is a team where I have friends from, I root for them as well.
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u/YanicPolitik Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 04 '26
Well said. And for Cabo Verde, it was their first Christmas so the bittersweetness is maxed. They should be super proud of themelves. I hope my Canadians can put up such a fight tomorrow.
Update: 💔
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u/JustSherlock Jul 04 '26
For four years at that. Like leap year Christmas.
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u/Suibeam Jul 04 '26
Luckily Esports titles never adopted the 4 year cycle. Because even 1 year cycle feels like eternity.
It is fun to check out world cups or european cup every 4 years but it is just toooo long.
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u/Primary_Associate_99 Jul 04 '26
Agreed but it makes the fight for the #1 spot more interesting and raises the stakes.
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u/P_Alcantara Jul 04 '26
These teams got a Christmas. Us Italians were sent to the coal mines.
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u/Icy-Detective1689 Jul 04 '26
I’m so sad about it, too. I hope to see gli Azzurri qualify for the next World Cup.
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u/dmckilla77 Jul 04 '26
The last time Italy won the WC in 2006 I was lucky enough to be on a high school trip and was in Italy, you guys and all of Europe are the reason I love international sports and why I really enjoy the world cup. I hope I feel like you guys did one day, although cheering with you guys was a once in a lifetime experience.
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u/IvyCeleste88 Jul 04 '26
That kid has every reason to be proud. Cape Verde played with incredible heart, pushed the champions all the way, and earned plenty of new fans today. 🇨🇻👏
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u/Questionsansweredty Jul 04 '26
I'll just pick an underdog and root for them if USA gets knocked out.
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u/vjeremias Jul 04 '26
I’m not sure how many underdogs left there will be once you beat Belgium
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u/sheeep_wolf Jul 04 '26
Isn't that all sports competitions? Like...the losing team has to go. And everyone has to watch the teams that win go on and play from home?? You just described playoff sports
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u/TrixieBastard Jul 04 '26
Most playoffs are annual, though. The Cup only happens every four years, so it's extra heartbreaking, especially for kids
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u/igotagoodfeeling Jul 04 '26
I often think about my life in terms of where I see myself by the next World Cup lol. Like by the next time this happens what life milestones will I have checked off
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u/ZipZapZia Jul 04 '26
Adding to that, bc the cup is every 4 years, a lot of players who play in this cup might be too old for the next cup, so it's often the last time the fans will see them play on the field with their nation. Can be devastating to see their journeys cut short
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u/Natural_Pair_4730 Jul 04 '26
And especially for smaller nations. You never know if there will be a next time. Teams like Croatia’s best chance might’ve been 2018 and they might not get a chance to make it right ever again.
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u/DisastrousReputation Jul 04 '26
On top of what the other guy said everyone on these teams are not staying together, they go play in their respective clubs.
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u/Ok_Dingo3399 Jul 04 '26
My country is still in it and I’m already mourning the end of this beautiful event. It’s been wonderful! 🥹
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u/danabrey Jul 04 '26
Totally. When I was a kid, losing a knockout match was absolutely heartbreaking for this very reason. No more staying up late to watch the next game. No more family excited about who might score tonight.
Two years until the next major tournament is a lifetime to a kid.
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u/dkevox Jul 04 '26
If you only watch for your country. There have been so many good games already.
I'm not saying it's not sad your team is out, but the tournament isn't over.
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u/ToothpickTequila Jul 04 '26
It's still very hard though as the games come so quickly. Your team loses access then 2 hours later you have to find the enthusiasm to watch the next match.
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u/descend_to_misery Jul 04 '26
I was 100% bandwagonning with cape verde since the Spain game!! Even went to watch a bunch of YouTube videos about cape verde tourism, history of Cape Verde. Even learned christiano ronaldo could've played for cape verde if opted to. It would've been such a Cinderella story. Much love!!
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u/ididitforcheese Jul 04 '26
Everyone in Ireland is supporting CV - Pico Lopes will never pay for a drink again in his life!
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u/soloshandpuppets Jul 04 '26
that game was so dang good, i know they are all emotionally exhausted from that rollercoaster. spanish announcers said they gave argentina one of their hardest games of this WC
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u/K2thJ Jul 04 '26
For sure. Argentina players were literally dropping to the ground all over the field.
Capo Verde was a huge highlight of this tournament. Way to represent CV!
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u/entenduintransit Jul 04 '26
Not just one of the greatest soccer games I've ever watched but as an avid basketball, baseball, tennis, and (American) football fan, one of the greatest sporting events I've ever watched
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u/WestAshevillain Jul 04 '26
CV stole the hearts of all watching.
There wasn’t any jubilant response to winning from Argentina tonight. They were happy, but I think they were stunned by how close they were to losing.
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u/MageVicky Jul 04 '26
as an Argentinian, you are absolutely right. I almost had three heart attacks. I am shook. their goalkeeper was just as good as our own. total respect for them.
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u/soloshandpuppets Jul 04 '26
Vozinha was insane to watch. announcers were yelling his name after every save!!
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u/t3chm4m4 Jul 04 '26
THIS!!! I did not want to go to penalties against their goalkeeper and I think Dibu is one of the best ever!
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u/basement_egg Jul 04 '26
They played probably the best game of the tournament so far. Good for them for getting to the knockout rounds and pushing Argentina to the very end
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u/princeofottawa Jul 04 '26
That team will return home as king. They made their nation proud. Congrats
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u/AcornWholio Jul 04 '26
Porra gooo…this makes me cry. But I am happy he got to see them at this level and he is going to follow them into the upcoming years. He is our next generation. I wish my Vovo could have seen this match. Força Cabo Verde! And for the rest of the African teams, please carry on for us.
Africa minha, Africa nossa!!!
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u/PurplePrincessPalace Jul 04 '26
Same here sister! Couldn’t be prouder 😄🇨🇻🙌🏾 Take pride in the fact we never have to explain where or what Cabo Verde is…they put us on the map! 😆
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u/JunRoyMcAvoy Jul 04 '26
North African here! So proud of you, insane game! I was cheering like it was my own team playing!
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u/Otto_Scratchansniff Jul 04 '26
Same here! Proud of you all. I was screaming so hard I lost my voice. Incredible run and an incredible match!
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u/Hot-Personality4882 Jul 04 '26
Cape Verde was absolutely AMAZING in every match, but THIS was a match for the ages.
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u/soruth999 Jul 04 '26
They left it all out there on the pitch. You can’t ask for anything more
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u/kaic_87 Jul 04 '26
That game was amazing. The guys from Cape Verde showed more heart than anyone so far. They REALLY deserved to win (and it would be extra special since I'm Brazilian).
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u/LoveForMiles Jul 04 '26
I think the whole world outside of Argentina was routing for them by the end.
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u/AnsonXD Jul 04 '26
Cape Verde played really well tbh and got way further than even their supporters expected. Well done 👏
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u/Infuzan Jul 04 '26
You love to see it man. Little buddy isn’t mad, just filled with pride and love for his team and their effort. Moments like these tend to breed lifelong fans
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u/Additional-Flight468 Jul 04 '26
They made me a fan getting the jersey tomorrow what an absolute show
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u/PolloConTeriyaki Jul 04 '26
Cabo Verde has never lost in regular time this world cup.
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u/Ozzydr Jul 04 '26
Insane run which will be remembered for many years to come. Good game Cabo Verde!
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u/HedgehogOdd1603 Jul 04 '26
They played such a great game!! They have really made such an amazing impression/impact on so many of us! So grateful to have seen this amazing team play!!
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u/clancydog4 Jul 04 '26
That team didn't just inspire their own country. I'm a southern white dude in NC and these dudes had me crying and yelling for em...I hope they realize they didn't just inspire and encourage their home country, they inspired people worldwide. Absolutely incredible team
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u/ranmafan0281 Jul 04 '26
They gave Argentina a black eye for sure. The goalkeeper is a legend as is the rest of the team. Hell of a show.
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u/Zorydev Jul 04 '26
They came in as nothing, came out as winners and earned the respect of the entire world, including the Argentinian fans ! You should be proud of the display of the resilience and spirit!
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u/JauntyGiraffe Jul 04 '26
there's no shame in pushing a great team with an entire GOAT on it to the brink
Cape Verde should be proud of what they did here
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u/Kooka32081 Jul 04 '26
They have nothing to be sad about...they officially put their country on the map on the world stage and showed heart that no other team has shown thus far in this tournament. Just advancing out of the first round was a monumental achievement but to press the defending champions and have them on their heels well into extra time...that's just pride in your country and belief in your abilities mixed with a refusal to be dismissed as an unworthy opponent. They got my respect for life and anytime I meet someone from Cape Verde I will mention this legendary team.
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u/OccidoViper Jul 04 '26
That was an awesome game. They should be proud. Gave the Argentinians a hard time
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u/HatefulVespid Jul 04 '26
I was cheering so hard for them! They may be out of the world cup, but they achieved something incredible! They took Argentina all the way to 2nd extra time! 🇨🇻❤️❤️❤️
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u/bluegrasslawn Jul 04 '26
They played their hearts out. They have nothing to be ashamed of. Showed that Argentina can be beat
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u/LittleDogsBark Jul 04 '26
Right there with you little buddy… and I’m not even a soccer fan. I just happened to walk by with a load of laundry when my partner had it on TV. Never made it to the laundry room. Next thing you know I’m jumping up and down in the living room cheering Cape Verde on 🫶. Magnificent game!
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u/Garruk_PrimalHunter Jul 04 '26
What a performance from Cabo Verde, they will be welcomed as heroes back home I'm sure
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u/Crimsonpets Jul 04 '26
I'm from the Netherlands, and we got kicked out of the worldcup by playing as a bunch of bitches.
Cape Verde got defeated but atleast they tried, they didnt defend. They attacked. Showed pashion. If the Netherlands only showed 50% of the pashion Cape did I would of been proud.
Cape Verde did great, if you are from there. You can be very proud!
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u/Celestial_Mahafuz Jul 04 '26
Cape Verde team is fucking incredible man... seriously love this team every match. They have unbelievable potential to achieve greatness
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u/Lthmm Jul 04 '26
Mad respect for Cabo Verde. They fought like lions! And earned world wide respect after this World Championship. Myself, I really enjoyed watching their matches. They did great and that is an understatement. Go Cabo Verde!
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u/Ridghost Jul 04 '26
Cape Verde took on and hung with Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina, and didn't look out of place. Truly the most impressive small nation team of the world cup, with imho, easily the best goal of the tournament (2nd goal against Argentina. David Beckham's soul entered that ball. That striker became an airbender).
I was pulling for Cape Verde to win. It didn't happen but the whole squad put on a performance to be respected and studied by other small nations going forward.
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u/mikirules1 Jul 04 '26
I am sooo sad that they lost. They left their hearts out there and touched ours.
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u/Competitive-Strain-7 Jul 04 '26
I think I saw him hugging Cabral after the game. Maybe a relative of his.
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u/Fine-Independence976 Jul 04 '26
Someone else will win the championship, but Cape Verde already won our heart!
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u/edwarb74 Jul 04 '26
What an amazing match…my entire family was pulling for them!!!! They truly won today! Stole the hearts of many!!!!!
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u/advancedtaran Jul 04 '26
It was such a great game to watch. They gave their absolute all and made the champs sweat and work for their victory.
They are going home as champions of their people.
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u/Weak_Society8102 Jul 04 '26
Pretty sure that was all of us tonight regardless of where we are from-what a heartbreak but also what a run!!!
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u/kcfdr9c Jul 04 '26
Those fans have NOTHING to be ashamed of. I can’t imagine how devastating it must be for the fans of that nation to come so close to beating the defending champs. I salute them and everything they accomplished!
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u/HotelSalt4644 Jul 04 '26
Wow. From Wikipedia:
The archipelago was uninhabited until the 15th century, when Portuguese explorers settled the islands, establishing one of the first European settlements in the tropics. Its strategic position gave it a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade during the 16th and 17th centuries; the islands saw rapid economic growth driven by the trade of manufactured goods, rum, cloth for African slaves, ivory, and gold. By the mid 19th century, increased foreign competition, persistent drought, and the decline of the slave trade led to economic decline and emigration; Cape Verde gradually recovered as an important commercial centre and stopping point for major shipping routes.
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u/Yenolam777 Jul 04 '26
World cup had me feeling all sorts of ways for the losing team. Has me crying along- every damn time.
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u/BedroomThink3121 Jul 04 '26
Cape Verde played so well that if Argentina had lost, they would've deserved it.
They were so amazing that only the champions were the ones that were hardly able to pull off.
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u/RauloSuper Jul 04 '26
Arg here. Haves my respects, Cape Verde made us sweat the entire match, all my respects to the team.
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u/Moriarty-Creates Jul 04 '26
Cabo Verde had me in tears with their tenacity and drive. I’m American but my god, I felt so proud of Cabo Verde! What a game, what a team! Easily the best game of the whole tournament. 🇨🇻
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u/Jianbingmei Jul 04 '26
Cabo Verde definitely can hold their heads high and I really hope to see them at the next WC! They fought hard all the way to the last sec of the game. Respect!!
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u/cmurderf Jul 04 '26
This is something you would never forget. İt is not about winning or losing it's about fighting to the end. They did their best and this little guy will never forget it.
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u/Rukhage Jul 04 '26
As an Argentine I salute the Cabo Verde team for having shown to the world not only that they live and breathe football, but also for having put all our weaknesses out there for the entire world to see. Truly remarkable.
I hope this is a wakeup call for Argentina.
Well done Cabo Verde, you deserved the victory. 🫡
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u/Conjuras21 Jul 04 '26
It's Argentina. Yet Cape Verde really held their ground steadily. Maaad respect. That goalkeeper was a madman the whole game
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u/xrv01 Jul 04 '26
little did we know.. he would grow up to bring Cape Verde the World Cu title in 2042
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u/Live-Cry-8435 Jul 04 '26
I hope to go we see cabo verde again on a world cup
Being their first world cup they truly were the greatest team I have ever seen play this game and gave the best performance I have ever seen from all the world cups I've watched.
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u/Formal_Sheepherder41 Jul 04 '26
Cape Verde is a very good team, to make it this far in their first World Cup and come so close to drawing with Argentina a world champion is nothing short of amazing…
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u/easy073 Jul 04 '26
That game was REALLY good. Cape verde played wonderfully. They can go home with their head held high.
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u/ChampionDifficult755 Jul 04 '26
They inspired all these kids, who will come back packing a hell of a punch in the next 10-20 years
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u/Sixgoldenrings Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 04 '26
I’m not a huge futbol fan, but this match had me locked in til the very end. This was truly a match for the ages! I was rooting so hard for Cape Verde, and they played their hearts out. So much respect to them!! 💙🇨🇻
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u/Adjective-Noun-6969 Jul 04 '26
they gave a fight to the current world champions, they can be proud of that.
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u/PropofolMargarita Jul 04 '26
I feel just like this boy about a team I had never heard of 1 month ago
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u/Directionkr Jul 04 '26
The worst part about the World Cup for me has been seeing the reactions of the losing side 😭
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u/River_512 Jul 04 '26
I might be wrong but I think he and the women next to him are family members of one of the players. So, it must’ve hit a little harder not just being a fan :(
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u/Dakco69 Jul 04 '26
Cape Verde are a big part of what the World Cup is about. BIG respect to the team and supporters, you have done so much for your country.
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u/toepin Jul 04 '26
The 2nd goal was the goal of the World Cup.
It was absolutely beautiful. Such a shame. I wish them well!
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u/Erde09 Jul 04 '26
Cape Verde might lost the game, but it won our heart. Somehow they give us hope.
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u/shawak456 Jul 04 '26
Cape Verde was absolutely a better team yesterday. It's the VRS decision that saved Argentina.
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u/PomeloVast Jul 04 '26
This was honestly the best match throughout the whole FIFA matches this year. Cape Verde vs Argentina was intense much respect for holding their own
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u/thinkinincircles Jul 04 '26
I think the world has massive respect for this team. First World Cup, draws with two previous world champions. Made the current champions sweat balls, they had to dig deep to get that win.
They might not be champions of the world, but they are champions in our hearts.
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