Maccabi Tel Aviv's Helio Varela says Cape Verde can surprise at the World Cup

Maccabi Tel Aviv winger Helio Varela is at the World Cup with Cape Verde, one of four players who spent last season in Israel’s Premier League and are now representing their national teams in the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The others are Senegal’s Abdoulaye Seck, Panama’s Christian Martinez, and Kenji Gora, who is set to start for Curacao against Germany. Cape Verde are in Group H with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, and will open their campaign on Monday against Spain.

In an interview with Maccabi Tel Aviv’s official website, Varela said the team’s routine is mainly hard training and preparation for a strong start. “We are trying to do everything possible to be better on the pitch, and we want to represent our country in the best way possible,” he said. He added that the squad is excited for its first match and eager to face the world’s best players, saying, “At the World Cup there are the highest-quality players in the world, so I am already looking forward to playing against everyone.”

Varela also said his season with Maccabi Tel Aviv helped him prepare for the tournament because he played many minutes. “The many games and the many minutes I played prepared me for this important moment now,” he said. Asked about Cape Verde’s goals, he said the team wants to go “step by step” in the group and try to collect points.

He acknowledged the difficulty of the group, calling Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia all strong opponents, but insisted Cape Verde will fight for results. “We will come to fight, this is the World Cup and everything can happen,” Varela said. “We will fight and do everything for that goal.”