Cape Verde united by World Cup debut, president says

Cape Verde president José Maria Neves says the national team's World Cup campaign is bringing the country together unlike anything else. "We have democracy, we have pluralism, but often there is fragmentation. The national team unites us," Neves said ahead of the Blue Sharks' tournament opener against Spain (1). For a nation making just its second major tournament appearance, the moment carries weight far beyond football. Cape Verde enter as heavy underdogs in a group featuring Spain, with Lamine Yamal expected to feature despite not being at full fitness.