'The best team won': Pico Lopes reflects on facing Spain and Argentina
Pico Lopes has featured against Floriana and Cork City since returning to League of Ireland action after the World Cup. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Shamrock Rovers captain Pico Lopes encountered both finalists during his World Cup odyssey but is glad Spain came out on top from Sunday’s decider.
His Cape Verde side were the only nation of the eight Spain faced during the showpiece that they didn’t beat but they recovered from that opening stalemate to collect their second star.
Lopes and his World Cup debutants also frustrated runners-up Argentina, forcing Lionel Messi and Co into extra-time before they squeezed through to the last-16 by the odd goal in five.
The Crumlin native has returned to club action, featuring against Floriana and Cork City over the last week, and is in Yerevan for Tuesday’s Champions League second round tie (5pm, Irish time).
If the Hoops advance past Ararat-Armenia over two legs, they’ll meet either Egnatia (Albania) or Celje (Slovenia) in the third round of Uefa’s premier competition.
“I thought Spain would win but maybe a lot more comfortably than they did had they converted chances,” Lopes said about Sunday’s decider, settled by an extra-time winner from Ferran Torres.
“For me, I think the best team won. They were really good throughout the tournament. I felt when we played them, if I wanted to play like any particular team it would be Spain.
“They dominated the game, they dominated the ball and you are just thinking, if they take their chances they’ll win most games, which they ended up doing.
“I know everyone draws comparisons of us drawing with Spain in their first game but it must be put in perspective that our goalkeeper (Vozinha) had an absolute worldie, we defended really well and rode our luck at times.
“It’s a nice thing to look back on but there’s so many memories and nuggets to take from the World Cup apart from playing those two sides.”
Lopes has resumed his duties at Rovers, without taking the break most World Cup participants enjoy once their team’s involvement ends. He did make time to dip his toe in the punditry game, accepting the invite from RTÉ to analyse knockout matches involving Argentina and Brazil.
“It was a brilliant experience on the panel,” he admitted.
“I didn’t know what to expect going in but once in there you’re working with top professional people. They want to help you and make you comfortable.
“Previewing Argentina's game, my memory was so fresh to give an insight. Then there was a challenge for myself trying to analyse two teams who I hadn’t played against.
“It was really enjoyable, made to feel really welcome by the whole staff, and hopefully there might be something there in the future.”
The League of Ireland’s summer format means it could be Christmas before the action subsides, given the 5-3 first round aggregate victory over Floriana puts Rovers in prime position for group stages of, at least, the Conference League.
Rovers travelled earlier than usual, considering the six-hour journey, three-hour time difference and the stifling heat that greeted them on arrival.
Striker John McGovern, who turned Friday’s FAI Cup tie against Cork City in their favour by scoring a brace in extra-time after coming on, will be missing with a calf muscle strain.
“This is a good team we’re facing,” stressed Rovers boss Stephen Bradley. “We watched their two matches against Riga and they’re strong in wide areas, midfield and have a few technicians.
“There’s a couple of Armenian internationals in their team who we will all be aware of too.
“Our team has experience of playing in so many countries over the years that we know this type of environment and every type of climate. You lean on that and understand how to manage moments to win games.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
