EXCLUSIVE: Rui Aguas on Cape Verde's rise, World Cup dream and Vozinha

Having shed the label of mere underdogs after a historic 0-0 draw against Spain and a thrilling 2-2 against Uruguay, Cape Verde now stand at an unimaginable crossroads. The upcoming match against Saudi Arabia is a direct shootout for an incredible spot in the knockout stages.

To understand the soul of this team and the magnitude of the moment, we spoke with a man who knows that beautiful archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, 500 km west of Senegal's shores, incredibly well. So well, in fact, that he has family there.

We are talking about Rui Aguas. Born in 1960, the former Portuguese striker enjoyed a good-quality playing career, starring primarily for domestic giants Benfica and Porto. He won four Portuguese championships across his time with the two rival clubs and even crowned himself top scorer of the European Cup. He also brought his talents to the Italian Serie A for a season, wearing the Reggiana shirt.

Above all, however, Aguas is the man who managed the Cape Verde national team for four years across two separate spells, the first from 2014 to 2016 and again between 2018 and 2020. During his 26 matches in charge, he laid the essential groundwork, building the very foundation of the squad that, years later, would achieve the incredible feat of reaching the World Cup and the miracle we are witnessing today.

He talks about that in an interview with Flashscore.

A national team player said that qualifying for the World Cup is the most important event in Cape Verde's history since independence. Do you agree?

"I'm sure that this historic qualification was the greatest and happiest event since independence, also because it was the first time. The people in Cape Verde love football, they really do, and especially their national team."

You know Cape Verde incredibly well: can you tell us how your relationship with this small African country first began? 

"My bond with the country is actually deeply personal. My wife was born in Cape Verde, so my ties to the archipelago go far beyond football. Because of that, I have deep roots, many close connections and extended family living there, which makes it a truly special place for me." 

You managed the national team for four years: what kind of period was it? Was it the foundation of the team that eventually reached the World Cup?

"Naturally, the ultimate credit for this incredible achievement belongs to the current federative structure, the technical staff, and the players who are out there competing right now. But the road to reaching this level was a long and demanding one. It was a gradual process of growth, and many different people contributed behind the scenes over the years to build the solid foundation that has allowed Cape Verde to shine on the world stage today."

How do you achieve World Cup qualification? Planning, federal work? Was it a goal, or did it happen by chance? 

"The goal, of course, has always been to reach the World Cup. While qualifying is never truly easy, the path has definitely become more accessible now. They did a fantastic job winning their qualification group outright, which meant they didn't have to rely on other results: they entirely deserved their ticket to the tournament.

"The key difference today is that the team benefits from much better conditions, stronger support, and a significantly higher level of overall organisation compared to my time in charge. That evolution is absolutely crucial." 

What is the atmosphere like in the Cape Verde dressing room at the World Cup? And among the fans?

"The Cape Verde team is a real family. The unique way this group experiences football is deeply connected to the fans, whose support is truly extraordinary. I have never seen anything quite like it; the supporters are an absolutely vital part of this journey. They live and breathe every single moment alongside the players, feeling the intensity of the team's play, and their unwavering backing makes a massive difference."

At first, it was a beautiful story, a dream. Now, after the 0-0 against Spain and the 2-2 against Uruguay, there are concrete chances of advancing to the next round. What do you think?

"At the beginning, nobody thought it was possible to draw against Spain, one of the greatest teams in the world. Now we'll see what happens. Cape Verde is very strong as a team, and they have to keep going that way to achieve even more."

The entire football world was moved by goalkeeper Vozinha's story. Since you managed him and know him on a personal level, what can you tell us about him? 

"What can I say about Vozinha? He is not only a great goalkeeper, but above all, he is a genuinely good man. He fully deserves all the positive things happening to him right now. His performance was absolutely crucial in securing the draw against Spain, and we will see what he can achieve in the upcoming match. I truly hope the absolute best for him." 

What kind of match do you expect against Saudi Arabia, who, moreover, have been struggling so far?

"Everything is possible now. At the beginning, we thought that Saudi Arabia was our main rival, and now it's true. It's a very important game to go through. The Saudis want the same thing as we want and they also drew with Uruguay, so you have to respect them and try to be the better team."

The upcoming clash against Saudi Arabia will not just be a matter of tactics, formations, or physical endurance. It will be, once again, a testament to how football can serve as the perfect pretext to tell stories of emancipation, belonging and courage.

Ninety minutes separate the Blue Sharks from rewriting the laws of footballing logic. But no matter the final score in this decisive group match, Cape Verde have already won their most significant tournament: reminding the world that romance and the impossible still have a home in modern football.