Roberto Lopes
CB
Controlled Centre Back
Jun 17, 1992 (34)
Right
6'1"
183 lb
Insufficient against Argentina
Pico logged three clearances, two interceptions and two blocks across 120 minutes during Cape Verde's 3-2 loss Friday to Argentina.
Analysis: Unsurprisingly, against the reigning World Cup champion captained by Golden Boot leader Lionel Messi, Pico's active defense continued. For each of Cape Verde's games, the center-back logged at least three clearances. All but once, Pico recorded multiple interceptions and blocks. Even though his effort did not stop Argentina from advancing, he and Cabo Verde's defensive line did not go unnoticed. In regulation, Cape Verde's team did not lose any of four games, and its Pico-Diney pairing was a strong pair down the middle. Overall, Pico logged 30 clearances, eight blocks, seven interceptions and five tackles won (out of seven total) across four appearances.
Keeps clean sheet
Pico recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Friday's 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia.
Analysis: Pico recorded a clean sheet against Saudi Arabia on Friday, a performance that helped secure Capo Verde's place in the Round of 32. He contributed three clearances, two tackles, and four duels won, reinforcing his reliability along the back line. Throughout the group stage, he has been at the heart of Capo Verde's defensive resilience, producing two clean sheets in three matches while allowing just two goals. His overall output, 13 duels won, five tackles, and six key blocks, highlights both consistency and composure under pressure. With a matchup against Argentina on July 3, he will aim to maintain that level after already shutting out tournament favorite Spain in the opening match.
Brillant outing in defense
Pico registered one shot (zero on goal) in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Uruguay.
Analysis: Pico teamed up with Diney at center-back and came up with a massive block to turn away Federico Valverde's effort inside the box in the 67th minute, helping keep Cape Verde alive in their push to steal a result. He added three tackles, one interception and 13 clearances across the match as Uruguay piled up 17 total shot attempts. Cape Verde's point against Uruguay sets the stage for a must-win finale against Saudi Arabia with a knockout-stage spot on the line.
Makes World Cup debut
Pico generated 11 clearancesand two interceptions in Monday's 0-0 draw versus Spain.
Analysis: Pico completed the full 90 minutes in Cape Verde's scoreless draw against Spain, finishing with 11 clearances, three blocks and two interceptions. While Spain repeatedly circulated possession around the penalty area in search of openings, he excelled at defending his box and clearing the danger. He enjoyed a good season for Shamrock Rovers and averaged over six clearances, one tackle and one interception per game last season.
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