Thousands of fans gave Cape Verde’s national team a heroes’ welcome on Sunday as the squad returned home following their fairytale run at the World Cup, which ended with a 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the round of 32.
Hundreds of flag-waving supporters packed the airport in the capital Praia to greet the players as they landed. More fans lined the streets as the squad rode through the city on an open-top truck, making their way to Quebra Canela beach for a homecoming celebration.
The celebrations fell on July 5, Cape Verde’s Independence Day, adding to the holiday atmosphere. The Blue Sharks and their charismatic coach Bubista danced to pumping music on a stage set up in front of a sign reading “Obrigado! Cabo Verde.”
Goalkeeper Vozinha, who became a social media sensation during the tournament, grabbed a microphone and shouted “What’s up Praia!” to huge cheers from the crowd.
Cape Verde is a nation of 10 volcanic islands off the coast of West Africa with a population of roughly 500,000. The country did not play its first World Cup qualifier until the start of this century and entered this year’s tournament ranked 67th in the world.
The Blue Sharks stunned the football world in the group stage by holding former champions Spain and Uruguay to draws, a run that made them the least populous nation ever to reach the knockout stages of a World Cup.
They then cemented their place in the hearts of football fans everywhere with a fearless performance against reigning champions Argentina in Miami last Friday, falling 3-2 after extra time in a match that captivated neutrals around the world.
