I previously said that Macau still has cards to play, such as the “Sino-Portuguese Platform”. Many see it as little more than a political or diplomatic mission and do not take it seriously. But last week’s World Cup taught us a lesson.
On 15 June, Cabo Verde made its World Cup debut against Spain, the European champions. Nobody was betting on an African country with 530,000 inhabitants and an area of 4,000 square kilometres. The result? 0-0. Cabo Verde held firm.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha shone, saving 27 shots. He turned professional late, at the age of 25, and now plays in Portugal’s second division. The nickname “Vozinha” dates back to his childhood, when others teased him for running to his grandmother in tears after defeats.
After the match, his Instagram following jumped from 50,000 to 10 million in 24 hours and has now exceeded 17 million — more than many NBA stars.
What stands out most to me, however, is another detail: Cabo Verde’s National Stadium was built by China. Completed in 2014 with a capacity of 15,000, it still has 11 Chinese technicians working there on maintenance and training.
The stadium director said: “The development of sport in Cabo Verde can be divided into two phases: before and after the National Stadium.”
That is the power of infrastructure. It is not a one-off event, but a lasting foundation. The team trained there and, ten years later, reached the World Cup.
Cabo Verde is a member of Macao Forum . While we question the value of the Platform, China is building stadiums and roads there. This is a long-term investment, not merely a diplomatic spectacle.
Macau already has the hardware — the Platform Complex and regular meetings. But afterwards, everyone leaves. Do business, arbitration and training continue to operate on a permanent basis, as that stadium does?
The lesson is this: do not underestimate this card. A seed can take a decade to flower. The question is whether we are truly planting it.
