The Sideline Fix

I just finished watching Cape Verde play Argentina in the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. If you just saw those two names on the match schedule, you might just go ahead an assume a result. You would probably think Argentina won handedly. You’d be wrong. It was a thriller. Argentina finally won 3 to 2 after the game was taken to extra time. Cape Verde put on a performance. They largely contained Messi. They were going after the win. As they did, I started to believe. I was cheering them on. I was screaming with every no-call (because they definitely should have gotten a few free kicks). I celebrated the goals more strongly and louder than I did in my own playing career. Even though Cape Verde lost the match, they won our hearts.

This is the beauty of sports. This is the power of sport to unite. And this is why we watch.

Cape Verde is out, but there is a lot more of the tournament left to watch. I sure hope there is even more excitement ahead.