PRAIA, Cape Verde, July 5, (v7n) – Thousands of ecstatic fans greeted Cape Verde's Blue Sharks at the Praia airport on Sunday, waving banners as the team returned following their narrow extra-time defeat to Argentina in one of the World Cup's most remarkable matches.
The Sharks are set to parade through the streets of the capital before meeting with the president and other government officials of the small West African archipelago nation. Cape Verde reached the knockout rounds in their first-ever World Cup, thrilling supporters at home and winning admirers abroad with their fearless performances.
In a dramatic last-32 clash in Miami, Cape Verde pushed defending champions Argentina to the limit before falling 3-2 in extra time. The team's homecoming coincided with Cape Verde's Independence Day, adding to the celebratory mood.
"After the heroes who fought for our independence, we now have these heroes—the Blue Sharks," said 28-year-old fan Edmilson Correia from the airport crowd.
Head coach Bubista spoke to the press after landing, saying: "We demonstrated that our World Cup qualification wasn't down to luck. We showed hard work and resilience, and we left the United States with our heads held high."
Supporters dressed in team blue strained to catch a glimpse of their heroes, including Sidny Lopes Cabral and veteran goalkeeper Vozinha. Twelve-year-old Ivan Goncalves said he was especially eager to see Cabral because of his "fabulous goal against Argentina."
Minister of Culture and Sports Antonio Duarte commended the Blue Sharks and their coach for "cementing Cape Verde's status as a great nation."
Despite the loss, celebrations erupted in Praia in the early hours of Saturday as fans commemorated the team's fairytale journey and their valiant effort against the world champions. Cape Verde, a nation of just 500,000 people, on Sunday marked its 51st anniversary of independence from Portugal, which ruled the country for 500 years.
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