Cape Verde's Rotterdam-born defender eyes Messi showdown

Sidny Lopes Cabral, the Rotterdam‑born defender for Cape Verde, is looking forward to a "special poster" with Lionel Messi as his side meet Argentina in the World Cup round of 16. The match kicks off Friday night at 00.00 Dutch time. "When we saw a 1% chance, we had to laugh," Cabral said, adding that the team has shown how big a 1% chance can be. He noted that after every match there is a celebration in Cape Verde and wherever Cape Verdeans live in the Netherlands, especially in Rotterdam. "I hope I get a few nice photos of myself next to him," he continued, explaining that nobody is overwhelmed by Messi’s presence. "We concentrate on our plan and tactics, and if Messi touches the ball we look at him like we’re really playing Messi. After the game we can enjoy having played him."

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Cabral emphasized that he will not quote any percentage for the upcoming game; the team will simply play and aim to deliver a great performance, a confidence he reiterated by saying he hopes Cape Verde win the World Cup. He expressed belief that the squad can produce a wonderful match against the reigning champions. Last season, the full‑back broke through with minutes for Benfica, and in early June he signed a contract with Turkish side Trabzonspor. The move reflects his ambition to reach the top of the sport. "I always told them I’m going to become a great footballer, I’m going to reach the top," Cabral recalled. "Now I am living my dream."