Cape Verde bowed out of their debut World Cup on Saturday, beaten 3-2 after extra time by Argentina, but coach Bubista said the result told only part of the story.
“I think everyone should thank the players for their tournament, because they showed what our small country is about,” Bubista said.
Their run ended after a last 32 tie against the defending champions, which got stretched to extra time. The World Cup debutants pushed Lionel Messi and Co. to their limits and narrowly missed out of dragging the match into a penalty shootout.
For Bubista, however, the achievement was never just about results. He framed the entire campaign as a statement of national identity.
“More so than just playing, this was about showing the world our identity,” he said.
“Ours was a team that, throughout the entire tournament, for as long as we were here, we wanted to play against the best teams in the world.
“We played fairly and we stayed on a level playing field with our opponents,” Bubista added.
That approach was tested most against Argentina, where Cape Verde matched the world champions for long periods before finally being worn down.
“I feel pride in my players, and what they did. They did it with dignity and courage.
“I think Argentina showed why they are world champions. I think I can say our team showed how willing they were to play this match.”
Bubista argued the scoreline against Argentina was itself evidence of his side's growth since qualifying.
“I don't think any other team could have scored two goals against Argentina and taken the match into extra time.
“I think that shows the character of our team, how skilled our team is. They did it with bravery, and never did we lose our identity.”
He described the melancholic scenes inside the Cape Verde dressing room after the match, as the players were sad after the defeat but were also proud of their efforts.
“The feeling in the dressing room is one of sadness. We're sad, of course, we're sad because we're leaving the competition. And because we got so close, so close.
“Even though they are sad, the players were hugging each other, they were crying. This is part of growing. This helps us grow, and also shows that the team has a soul.”