History was made on Monday night as Cape Verde qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history.
The Blue Sharks beat Eswatini 3-0 to seal top spot in their group, with the help of Shamrock Rovers skipper, Roberto Lopes.
Qualification to the tournament was earned in front of a crowd of 15,000 after missing their first opportunity to do so in a 3-3 draw with Libya last week.
Big year for Lopes
Lopes has had an incredible year on and off the pitch. It is yet to stop at World Cup qualification. The Dublin-born centre back mentioned in a video on the Shamrock Rovers social media page that he will be back for Friday’s showdown at Richmond Park. The Hoops are on the verge of confirming their 22nd title against St. Patrick’s Athletic, and the captain could be involved.
Doubts had arisen as to whether Lopes was to feature in the game with Eswatini. His wife is expecting a child. However, Lopes played the full 90 minutes for his country. He kept a clean sheet to ensure his flight to the USA next summer.
On the horizon for the Shamrock Rovers defender also remains a European campaign. Five of the six games remain, as well as a cup final date with Cork City next month. It is anticipated that Stephen Bradley will want to manage the minutes of such a key feature within the squad.
Shamrock Rovers pride
The Cape Verdean international signed for Rovers in 2016, just nine years ago, after six years at Bohemians. He has since made himself an integral part of Bradley’s squad. He’s played a crucial role in the Hoops’ winning the league four years in a row from 2020 to 2023.
Four years on from his switch to Tallaght, Lopes won the Shamrock Rovers Player of the Year Award for 2020. Lopes most recently missed the Ringsend derby defeat to Shelbourne. This was in a bid to help Cape Verde qualify for the World Cup. His presence was missed alongside the injured Lee Grace.
If Shamrock Rovers avoid defeat or Derry City fails to beat Waterford FC, then Roberto Lopes will claim his fifth title. In the moments following qualification for the World Cup, he admitted that football has been the “last thing” on his mind and looks forward to returning home for the birth of his firstborn child.
The Hoops head to Inchicore on Friday at 7.45 pm to take on St. Patrick’s Athletic. They will be hopeful of having the World Cup-bound Roberto Lopes at their disposal.
These days are a testament to Roberto Lopes. From Tallaght Stadium to the World Cup, the international has a lot to look forward to.