Cabo Verde’s fairytale World Cup run to knockouts wins hearts of Chinese football fans

Chinese football fans were enthralled watching World Cup debutant Cabo Verde’s fairytale run come to a thrilling end against defending champions Argentina on Saturday in the round of 32.

The smallest nation ever to reach the knockout rounds surprised football fans again by pushing Argentina all the way to extra-time, eventually losing 3-2 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Despite losing thanks to an own goal by Diney Borges, the tiny nation off the coast of West Africa won the hearts of football fans across the world in their first Fifa World Cup, remaining undefeated in regular time in four matches and drawing with two champions along the way.

A goalless stalemate with Spain was followed by a 2-2 draw with Uruguay. Another two goals against reigning champions Argentina made Cabo Verde the first debutant to score against two World Cup champions in the same tournament, and social media was full of praise for their heroic efforts.

“That’s a huge upset! Cabo Verde drew with Argentina after 90 minutes,” one commenter said. “Argentina relies entirely on Messi; this could be dangerous. Are the other players just waiting for the result?”

“Football doesn’t require large financial investments or a sophisticated youth training system; success can be achieved simply through unity, fighting spirit, and a sense of national honour,” another said.

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