World Cup dream becomes a reality for Crumlin’s Pico Lopes.

Cape Verde defender Pico Lopes says it feels like he’s “representing two countries” at the World Cup this evening. 

The Crumlin-born Shamrock Rovers captain is set to face Spain in his debut at the World Cup. 

“It really is the stuff of dreams. I’ve always wanted to be a professional footballer and I think even the journey to get to there, you have to go through the struggles of a part-time and working and where our league was at a few years ago to how it’s developed.

“I suppose how we’ve managed to develop as a league as well to produce players that are playing in international tournaments.

“You’ve seen the Under 17’s, you’ve seen the women’s as well. It really is a story of progression which makes me happy because every day I want to try and get better as a footballer. 

“These little steps of progression, where you’re becoming a full-time footballer, you’re qualifying for Europa league competitions, Conference Leaue, Champions League and then to become an international footballer, albeit through a social media message and then to be at these tournaments – for me it’s really satisfying to show that progression,because it means that I continue to try and improve every day.”

Lopes knows they’ll be up against it when taking on the European champions, but he says they’re determined to make it tough for their opponents:

“To be underdogs or favourites, it’s still hard and it’s still a game of football,” he said.

“You still have to go out there and prepare properly, give everything you have and do your best to try and win the game.

“We’ll be adapting that mentality, that it doesn’t matter whether your underdogs or not, we have to try and find a way to win the game or get something out of the game.

“We have to be competitive, and that has to be our goal.  We have to believe we can do this as well.”

Pico’s not counting chickens, or starting places, just yet. “That’s the manager’s decision. I never take anything for granted,” he insists. 

“It’s going to be an amazing feeling no matter what.”