Cape Verde head coach Bubista targeted a place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup after his tournament debutants fought back to finish 2-2 with Uruguay on Sunday less than a week after they held title favourites Spain to a goalless draw.
"Considering what we've done with two international-grade teams, I think our focus has to be qualifying," said the 56-year-old former Cape Verde international.
"If we were to think about the knockout rounds, I think it's only legitimate to do so considering what we've done."
Kevin Pina scored his country's first goal at a World Cup tournament with a free-kick from 30 metres mid way through the first half.
Maximiliano Araujo levelled for Uruguay after 44 minutes and the Sporting Portugal midfielder set up Agustín Canobbio to give Uruguay the lead in first half stoppage time.
But Cape Verde responded with a strike just after the hour mark from Helio Varela.
Spain take chargeof Group H
The result leaves Spain at the top of Group H with four points from their two games following their 4-0 romp past Saudi Arabia in Atlanta.
Uruguay lie second on two points ahead of Cape Verde - who also have two points - due to scoring more goals.
Saudi Arabia, who face Cape Verde in the final pool match on 26 June in Houston, prop up the group with one point.
"We know that any one of these teams also has the opportunity to move forward," Bubista added.
"My players have to keep their feet on the ground. We know this will also be a challenging match against Saudi Arabia as they also have the possibility of qualifying."
Spain, who face Uruguay on 26 June in Guadalajara, need a point to progress to the last 32.
Egypt win first match at World Cup
In Group G, Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver and register their first win at a World Cup.
Finn Surman opened the scoring in the 15th minute. But Egypt wore down their opponents. Zico levelled in the 58th minute and set up skipper Mohamed Salah to put the Egyptians ahead.
In the 82nd minute, Trezeguet headed the ball past the New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe for the third goal
The victory took Egypt to the top of Group G with four points. Iran are second with two points following their 0-0 draw in Los Angeles with Belgium who are third. New Zealand lie fourth.
In the final round of games on 26 June, all four teams have a chance to wrestle a way into the two automatic qualifying spots for the last 32.
Pacesetters Egypt take on Iran in Seattle and Belgium face New Zealand in Vancouver.
