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Portugal defender Nelson Semedo has joined the growing global admiration for Cape Verde after their dramatic exit from the World Cup against Argentina. Despite falling 3-2 in extra time, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers full-back believes the island nation achieved a moral victory that went beyond the scoreboard.

Semedo praises the Blue Sharks’ fighting spirit

Speaking from Portugal’s camp ahead of their own knockout clash, Semedo was eager to applaud the extraordinary run of the African side. The defender, whose family hails from Cape Verde, watched with pride as the underdogs took the reigning world champions to the brink in a match that captured the imagination of football fans worldwide.

“I’ve followed the tournament closely and I truly believe that, regardless of yesterday’s result, Cape Verde came out as winners,” Semedo said in a heartfelt message to his ancestral homeland. “They produced a brilliant campaign and demonstrated that, like Portugal, they are a small country with immense talent. The belief they showed throughout was fantastic. I’m proud of the way they represented us — I want to congratulate them and thank them for everything.”

Football legends salute Cape Verde

Semedo’s thoughts were echoed by several football icons. Former Sweden forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic admitted he was deeply moved by Cape Verde’s performance, saying he was close to tears as he watched the minnows nearly topple South America’s giants. The Blue Sharks held Argentina level through regular time before finally succumbing late in extra time.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was equally full of praise, remarking that although the result didn’t go their way, Cape Verde won the hearts of fans everywhere. Even Lionel Messi acknowledged how tough the match had been, conceding that his team found it difficult to control proceedings against such a disciplined and powerful opponent.

Attention turns to the Iberian showdown

While celebrating Cape Verde’s achievements, Semedo remains focused on Portugal’s upcoming Round of 16 clash with Spain. The defender, now playing his club football for Fenerbahce, stressed that he is ready to contribute in any role required by coach Roberto Martínez in what he calls an “anticipated final.”

“I feel I’m ready to help Portugal in any way possible. Whether it’s for ten minutes, half an hour, or the full ninety, the key thing is for everyone to give their best so that Portugal can win, stay in the tournament, and go as far as possible,” added the full-back. “We have a deep squad with great quality, and everyone is prepared to step up. Look at Gonçalo Ramos — he hasn’t played much, but he gave everything and made a big difference. The focus is purely on the team; we’re all ready to contribute to the cause.”

Containing the Yamal threat

Portugal’s next challenge will see them face Spain’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal. While Semedo acknowledged the 18-year-old’s immense “potential,” he cautioned that concentrating solely on the Barcelona youngster would be a tactical mistake, given the depth of the Spanish team.

“Yamal is undoubtedly a special player with frightening potential, but Portugal know they can’t afford to get tunnel vision,” Semedo concluded. “If Martínez’s men focus only on the Barcelona starlet, they could be undone by a Spain side full of match-winners from the first whistle to the last substitution.”