Cape Verde's Lopes given surprise World Cup send-off in Ireland
· CNA · JoinRead a summary of this article on FAST.
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST
FAST
May 17 : Cape Verde's Irish-born defender Roberto 'Pico' Lopes was given a surprise farewell party in his native Crumlin in Dublin on Sunday before heading off to represent the African country in their first World Cup appearance.
Lopes thought he was going to his parents for Sunday lunch, but was instead greeted by neighbours and friends intent on sending the local hero off in style, with the 33-year-old set to be named in Cape Verde's squad on Monday.
"When I saw all the flags I might have suspected this could be a party rather than a feast," Lopes told Irish broadcaster RTE.
Lopes, who plays with League of Ireland club Shamrock Rovers, qualifies through his Cape Verdean father Carlos, but almost missed out on international football after ignoring a LinkedIn message in 2018 which he thought was spam.
CNA Games
Guess Word
Crack the word, one row at a time
Buzzword
Create words using the given letters
Mini Sudoku
Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser
Mini Crossword
Small grid, big challenge
Word Search
Spot as many words as you can
Show More
Show Less
Luckily, he translated a follow-up message, and made his debut in 2019. Lopes played a major part in their run to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals in 2024 and started nine of their 10 World Cup qualifying games.
Lopes will also give Irish soccer fans something to cheer about at the World Cup after Ireland, who last reached the finals in 2002, missed out on qualification in a semi-final playoff loss on penalties to the Czech Republic.
"Huge achievement for Pico and his family, and for the nation really," neighbour Sheena Heavey said.
"He's the only Irish person to play in the World Cup for a long, long time."
Cape Verde begin their World Cup adventure against European champions Spain on June 15 followed by Group H games with Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
Newsletter
Recommended Read
Subscribe to CNA's Recommended Read
A single handpicked story that we think you shouldn't miss. Just one a day.
Sign up for our newsletters
Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox
Get the CNA app
Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories
Get WhatsApp alerts
Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app