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By:

Waleed Hussain

4 March 2025 at 2:34:30 pm

Cape Verde: Dreams Realised on Global Stage

In the vast tapestry of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, few stories shine as brightly as that of Cape Verde, the Blue Sharks. A nation of just over half a million souls, scattered across ten volcanic islands in the Atlantic, this archipelago has etched its name into football immortality. Not as champions in the traditional sense, but as beacons of hope, resilience, and the unyielding power of belief. Their debut tournament was not merely participation—it was a masterclass in defying odds, proving...

Cape Verde: Dreams Realised on Global Stage

In the vast tapestry of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, few stories shine as brightly as that of Cape Verde, the Blue Sharks. A nation of just over half a million souls, scattered across ten volcanic islands in the Atlantic, this archipelago has etched its name into football immortality. Not as champions in the traditional sense, but as beacons of hope, resilience, and the unyielding power of belief. Their debut tournament was not merely participation—it was a masterclass in defying odds, proving that size is no barrier to greatness. Qualifying ahead of football titans like Cameroon in CAF Group D was already a triumph. With seven wins, two draws, and just one defeat in ten matches, Cape Verde secured top spot and their ticket to the expanded 48-team finals. For a country celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence, this achievement symbolized more than sporting success; it was a declaration of national pride and unity. The "11th island"—their vibrant diaspora across Europe and beyond—poured heart and soul into supporting the team, turning every match into a collective roar from the islands to the mainland. From the opening whistle in Group H, Cape Verde announced their arrival with authority and grace. Holding European champions Spain to a goalless draw, with veteran goalkeeper Vozinha producing heroic saves at age 40, ignited imaginations worldwide. Then came a thrilling 2-2 stalemate against two-time champions Uruguay, where Cape Verde scored their first-ever World Cup goals and showed no fear against pedigree opponents. A hard-fought 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia sealed progression to the knockout rounds—unbeaten in the group stage. They became the smallest nation ever to reach the last 32, a record that underscores the magnitude of their feat. The round of 32 clash against defending champions Argentina in Miami was destined to be legendary. Facing Lionel Messi and a star-studded side, few gave the Blue Sharks a chance. Yet, they delivered a performance for the ages. Trailing early, Cape Verde equalized not once but twice—Duarte's strike and Sidny Lopes Cabral's stunning wonder goal sending the stadium into delirium and forcing extra time. They pushed the mighty Albiceleste to the brink, only falling 3-2 after 120 grueling minutes. Messi himself praised their fight, swapping shirts and consoling players like Vozinha. In defeat, Cape Verde won something far greater: global admiration and a permanent place in World Cup lore. What makes this run so profoundly inspirational is its deeper meaning. Cape Verde embodies the essence of football as the beautiful game—a sport where passion, tactical discipline, and collective spirit can level the playing field against financial powerhouses. Their players, many with roots in the diaspora, balanced club careers with national duty, training on modest facilities yet competing with world-class intensity. Coach and staff fostered a family atmosphere, turning limited resources into an unstoppable force of will. For the youth of Cape Verde and aspiring athletes across small nations, this tournament sends a resounding message: Dare to dream. Your islands may be small, your population modest, but your heart and talent know no bounds. Every save by Vozinha, every surging run, every goal celebrated with island fervor reminded us that underdogs don't just write fairy tales—they live them. As the 2026 World Cup continues, Cape Verde returns home as heroes. Their journey ends not in sorrow but in celebration. They leave behind unforgettable moments: the pride of a nation united, the respect of football giants, and proof that belief can carry you to extra time against the best. The Blue Sharks have inspired a generation, elevated African football's diversity, and shown the world that true victory lies in the courage to compete. Cape Verde, your performance was more than football—it was poetry in motion, a symphony of hope. You made billions believe in the impossible. The islands echo with pride today, and tomorrow's dreamers will walk taller because of you. Onward, Blue Sharks. Your legacy is eternal. (The writer is a senior journalist based in Mumbai.)

Discussions on among allies for govt formation: Ajit Pawar

Updated: Nov 29, 2024

Ajit Pawar

Mumbai: Deputy Chief Minister and NCP head Ajit Pawar on Monday said discussions were underway among the Mahayuti partners to finalise a formula for the new government formation in the state.


Speaking to reporters at Karad in Satara district, Pawar also acknowledged the contribution of the government's Ladki Bahin scheme, which provides financial assistance to women, in the Mahayuti's victory in the just-concluded state assembly polls.


The NCP leader also assured that the alliance was working cohesively following its resounding victory in the state assembly elections.


Pawar paid tributes to Maharashtra's first chief minister Yashwantrao Chavan at his memorial in Karad on his death anniversary.


In the state poll results declared on Saturday, the Mahayuti, which comprises the BJP, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, bagged an impressive 230 of the 288 assembly seats.


The focus has been on BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is being seen as a strong contender to occupy the top post for the third time, as his party bagged 132 of the 149 seats it contested in the state.


Notably, Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar has said his party legislators feel Eknath Shinde should continue as the chief minister of the state, where the ruling Mahayuti scored a landslide victory in the assembly polls.


Ajit Pawar said, "We will decide what formula to work out on the cabinet formation among the three parties."


Reflecting on the elections, he acknowledged the contribution of the Ladki Bahin scheme in the Mahayuti's win.


"We cannot ignore that Ladki Bahin helped us in this election. We are grateful to them (women voters)," he said.


Defending the scheme, Pawar, who is also the state finance minister, further said, "Had I been opposed to the Ladki Bahin scheme, I would not have presented it in the House. I discussed the scheme with several retired finance officers before finalising it."


Pawar also dismissed concerns raised by some opposition leaders over the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), pointing out that polls in states like Punjab, West Bengal and Telangana, governed by their political opponents, have been conducted with the same system.


Commenting on members of same families contesting against each other during the elections, Pawar expressed annoyance over repeated questions on it.


He then asked, "Why was my close nephew fielded? Atram's own daughter was fielded against him, and even Rajendra Shingne faced a similar challenge. I don't want to comment further on this. I have got tired of apologising for fielding my wife against Supriya. Yugendra was in business, then why was he prepared to contest against me?"


In the Baramati assembly seat, Ajit Pawar was pitted against his nephew and NCP (SP) candidate Yugendra Pawar.


In Aheri seat, NCP leader Dharamraobaba Atram's daughter Bhagyashree Atram contested against him on NCP (SP) ticket.

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