Pico Lopes helped Cape Verde secure historic qualification for their first-ever World Cup earlier this year, then started their opening group stage match vs Spain at centre-back in Atlanta on June 15.
Undaunted by the reigning European champions, Lopes put in a stellar defensive shift— including a crucial 88th-minute block— to secure a monumental 0-0 draw for his country that will go down as one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
Lopes, 33, is a living, breathing example of Cape Verde's famous diaspora. Born and raised in Dublin, to a Cape Verdean father he speaks with a broad Irish accent and plays his club football for League of Ireland Premier Division club Shamrock Rovers.
