Cork City's Cape Verde player tells of his World Cup pride

On Monday night, Cape Verde pulled off one of the biggest shocks in Fifa World Cup history, playing out a scoreless draw with Spain, one of the tournament favourites.

To put the result into context, the African nation has a population of less than 600,000 people, and is the third-smallest county ever to qualify for a World Cup finals.

Watching on proudly from Leeside as his homeland perform on the global stage was Cork City FC footballer Karim Fonseca.

Growing up in Cape Verde before moving to Ireland in July 2023, the 18-year-old played football alongside two of members of the current Cape Verde squad, Kevin Pina and João Paulo.

“Everyone is delighted because we always had to explain to the world where we are in the map geographically,” Karim told The Echo.

“For the first time to qualify for a World Cup, all the world is starting to know about us.

“We are proud of the country and what the players have done. Making your debut in the World Cup and winning a point for the first time ever is a historic moment for the country.

“To go against Spain, ranked number two in the world rankings, to get a draw and keep a clean sheet is just unbelievable.”

Along with Spain, Cape Verde are in a World Cup group containing Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Karim, who is in constant contact with friends and family back home in Cape Verde, said there is a palpable sense of excitement in the air as World Cup fever spreads across the whole nation.

“I got sent videos from my friends. They are all sending me videos on the street and everyone is just partying and beeping everywhere.

“Even when we qualified for the World Cup, everyone was in disbelief and very happy. Beating Cameroon [to qualify] is something that we never thought would happen.”

After suffering penalty shootout heartbreak in Prague in the playoffs, many people from Ireland have made Cape Verde their adopted country to support in the tournament.

It’s helped in no small measure by the fact that Dublin-born Shamrock Rovers player Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes, who has a Cape Verdean father and Irish mother, put in a heroic performance at the heart of the defence against the Spanish.

“Pico is a very good centre back and a very nice guy as well,” Karim said.

“He is very humble. I’ve spoken to him before and he is very supportive of me on my journey. I wish him all the best to be honest. Hopefully he will bring us more joy with the national team.”

On top of watching Cape Verde making an impact at the World Cup, it has also has been a very exciting few weeks for Karim on the pitch here in Cork.

He made his first-team debut for Cork City at the end of May, in a commanding 4-0 victory over Finn Harps at Turner’s Cross.

“I’m glad that the gaffer [Barry Robson] gave me a chance. It is all I ever wanted, making my professional debut.

“It was a big achievement for me and my family, so I am delighted.”