John Fallon: Pico Lopes' Cape Verde adventure can inspire League of Ireland dreamers

In the early hours of Saturday morning, Lopes and Cape Verde have a chance to seal progression to the World Cup knockout stages when they face Saudi Arabia

Seven years after making his international debut with Cape Verde, Shamrock Rovers captain Pico Lopes is playing at the World Cup. Pic: Andrew J. Clark/Sportsfile

One of the smallest countries in World Cup history can make the biggest statement this week and the fact an Irishman is at its centrepiece warrants acclaim.

Pain from Prague in March won’t be entirely eased by pride in Pico but there’s an allowance to resonate with the giant-killing feats of Lopes and his Cape Verde nation.