Cape Verde’s Fairytale FIFA World Cup Run Ends, but ArenaPlus Users Cash In

MANILA, Philippines – Every FIFA World Cup produces its share of surprise stories, and this year’s tournament was no different.


While defending champion Argentina eventually ended Cape Verde’s remarkable campaign, the
African nation emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest revelations after standing toe-to-toe
with some of football’s traditional powers.


Their inspiring run also paid off for several ArenaPlus users, who correctly predicted the
underdogs’ unlikely results and walked away with sizeable winnings.


Cape Verde holds Spain
Few gave world No. 64 Cape Verde much of a chance against Spain. After all, Spain is the 2024
UEFA European Championship winner.


One ArenaPlus user, however, believed the African nation could pull off the improbable.
The bettor wagered ₱2,500 on Cape Verde to hold Spain to a 0-0 draw, correctly predicting the
final score to turn the stake into ₱72,500 at 30.00 odds.


Cape Verde does it again
Cape Verde wasn’t done making history.


Fresh off its shock result against Spain, the tournament’s Cinderella team followed it up with
another memorable performance by holding two-time FIFA World Cup champion Uruguay to a
2-2 draw at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.


One ArenaPlus user successfully predicted the final score, turning a ₱500 wager into ₱15,500 at
32.00 odds.


Cape Verde, which also held Saudi Arabia to a draw during the group stage, finished second in
Group H behind Spain to book a place in the Round of 32.


Cape Verde pushes Argentina to the limit
Before its fairytale run came to an end, Cape Verde gave defending champion Argentina
everything it could handle.
Lionel Messi and the Argentines needed extra time before escaping with a 3-2 victory, ending
Cape Verde’s historic World Cup campaign.


Cape Verde’s spirited performance also rewarded one ArenaPlus user, who won ₱4,600 after
wagering ₱100 at 46.00 odds.


The bettor correctly predicted Argentina would lead 1-0 at halftime and that the match would be
tied 1-1 at the end of regulation. Argentina eventually sealed the victory in extra time.
Although Cape Verde’s dream run ended, the tournament proved that rankings do not always
determine the outcome—and that those willing to believe in football’s biggest underdogs can
sometimes enjoy the biggest rewards.


“Football has always been a sport where anything can happen, and this World Cup has reminded
everyone of that,” said Erick Su, Head of ArenaPlus, the No. 1 PAGCOR-licensed online
sportsbook in the Philippines.


“It’s exciting to see ArenaPlus users recognizing the potential of teams like Cape Verde. Their
predictions reflected a deep understanding of the game and the belief that rankings don’t always
determine the outcome.”