Cape Verde Given Hero's Welcome After Historic World Cup Run

Cape Verde's national football team received a rapturous welcome on Sunday as thousands of jubilant supporters lined the streets of Praia to celebrate the Blue Sharks' remarkable World Cup campaign, despite their narrow defeat to Argentina.

The victory parade began at Praia's international airport and wound through the capital's main neighbourhoods, with chanting fans, live music and waving national flags creating a carnival atmosphere that at times slowed the team's progress.

The celebrations concluded with a visit to the presidential palace, where President Jose Maria Neves praised the team's extraordinary achievement.

"Argentina won, but Cape Verde triumphed," he declared, hailing the Blue Sharks for capturing the imagination of football fans worldwide during the country's first-ever World Cup appearance.

Cape Verde, the West African island nation of around 500,000 people, reached the knockout stage in its tournament debut before pushing defending champions Argentina to the limit in a dramatic last-32 clash in Miami on Friday. Argentina eventually secured a 3-2 extra-time victory after one of the competition's most memorable encounters.

"If the Cape Verde versus Argentina match was the most-watched game of the World Cup, you can be sure it wasn't because of Argentina," Neves joked, drawing laughter from the audience.

The team's homecoming coincided with Cape Verde's Independence Day, marking 51 years since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975 after nearly five centuries of colonial rule.

"After the heroes who fought for our independence, we now have these heroes — the Blue Sharks," said 28-year-old supporter Edmilson Correia, who joined thousands of fans at the airport dressed in blue and carrying national flags.

Goalkeeper Vozinha described the team's achievement as "something magnificent" before the parade, admitting he had not yet fully realised the scale of what the squad had accomplished.

Asked about his future plans, the veteran goalkeeper said he was focused only on resting after the tournament.

The overwhelming turnout forced organisers to cancel a scheduled stop at the National Assembly, with the team instead set to visit parliament on Monday.

The celebrations concluded at Kebra Kanela Beach, where thousands more supporters greeted the players with prolonged applause, drumming and singing.

Head coach Bubista said the tournament had proved Cape Verde belonged on football's biggest stage.

"We demonstrated that our World Cup qualification wasn't down to luck," he said. "We showed hard work and resilience, and we left the United States with our heads held high."

Fans eagerly waited outside the airport hoping to catch a glimpse of stars including Sidny Lopes Cabral and Vozinha. Twelve-year-old Ivan Goncalves said he was especially excited to see Cabral after his "fabulous goal against Argentina."

Culture and Sports Minister Antonio Duarte congratulated the players and coaching staff for "cementing Cape Verde's status as a great nation," while Cape Verdean Football Federation president Mario Semedo said the team's historic run had set a new standard for the future.

"The challenges will certainly be greater," Semedo said. "But I think we will all be motivated and up to the task."