Cape Verde star Pico Lopes returns from World Cup high hungry for more with Shamrock Rovers

After an unforgettable World Cup journey with Cape Verde, Shamrock Rovers captain Pico Lopes is back where his focus lies – helping the Hoops chase more European success.

The defender returned to club duty following the Blue Sharks’ dramatic extra-time elimination by eventual champions Argentina and played a key role as Rovers produced a stunning comeback against Floriana in Champions League qualifying.

Shamrock Rovers arrived in Yerevan on Sunday ahead of their clash with Armenian champions Ararat, with Lopes among the players watching the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The 34-year-old had faced both finalists during Cape Verde’s historic tournament campaign, giving him a unique perspective on the showpiece event.

Lopes backed Spain to lift the trophy and praised their dominance throughout the competition.

“I thought Spain would win,” said Lopes. “I thought they’d win maybe a lot more comfortably and convert the chances that they managed to create early on. I think the best team won. They were really good throughout the tournament.”

The Rovers captain revealed Spain’s style was one he admired during Cape Verde’s meeting with the European giants.

“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.”

World Cup memories behind him as Rovers chase Europe

Despite returning from football’s biggest stage, Lopes insists he never struggled to refocus on club football.

Unlike players who finish a long domestic season before immediately heading into a major tournament, the Cape Verde international believes his schedule allowed him enough time to reset before returning to Rovers.

“It wasn’t something that was on my mind. Maybe that is because we haven’t had a full season. It wasn’t like we went 36 (league) games and you played another 15 with cup competitions and then went into a World Cup and then straight back into a season.”

Lopes explained that returning home after the tournament helped him and his teammates process their achievement before turning their attention back to their clubs.

“You are still on a high and riding a wave but I’m looking forward just to come back and sharing stories with the lads and being part of the group again, trying to help them in our league, European and cup competitions.”

His return coincided with one of Rovers’ biggest nights of the season so far. After losing 2-0 away to Floriana in the first leg, the Hoops stormed back with a 5-1 victory at Tallaght Stadium to secure progression and keep their Champions League hopes alive.

Lopes admitted the atmosphere reflected the importance of the occasion.

“You could feel it last Tuesday, it was a special night, we had to overturn the tie, which we managed to do. You get that sense around the stadium as well, that it’s something different, something to relish and look forward to, and us as a group, we do the same.”

Rovers determined to take another European step

Having reached the league phase of the UEFA Conference League in each of the last two seasons, Rovers are aiming higher this time around.

A victory over Ararat would guarantee them European group-stage football again, but Lopes believes the club must continue pushing towards the Europa League.

“We have to try and do our best to get to the Europa League. We have to show progress. You get a taste of these competitions and you always want more and want to see what is next.”

Away from football, Lopes has enjoyed opportunities that came from his World Cup exposure, including working as a pundit for RTÉ and taking part in promotional activities.

However, the experienced defender insists football remains his priority.

“I know my job is a footballer and everything else is a bit extra. I’m a footballer first and I’ll never let anything else get in the way or distract from that.”

With European nights ahead and Rovers chasing another historic campaign, Lopes is eager to continue riding the wave — this time in green and white.