Cape Verde are an example for other small nations to follow, said defender Pico Lopes, after the islanders came close to pulling off one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history against Argentina on Friday. Defending champions Argentina needed a Diney Borges own goal in the 111th minute to win a thrilling last-32 tie after extra-time here.

A tiny archipelago of just over 500,000 people off the west coast of Africa, Cape Verde held Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws on their first ever appearance at the World Cup.