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MUNICH - Cape Verde's national team received a hero's welcome on Sunday upon their return home from the World Cup where they made big waves and took title holders Argentina to extra time in their final match.
According to dpa, news reports said that tens of thousands of locals came to the airport of the capital of Praia and accompanied the players and officials on the streets in a carnival atmosphere.
The homecoming coincided with Cape Verde's Independence Day, 51 years after the end of Portuguese colonial rule in 1975.
The Blue Sharks played a sensational tournament in their World Cup debut, drawing with former champions Spain and Uruguay as well as with Saudi Arabia before losing their last 16 match against Lionel Messi's Argentina 3-2 in extra time.
"It is a very great moment for us to be here with our people," goalkeeper Vozinha told the BBC.
"We wanted something bigger but we didn't go to the next stage. Now we just enjoy the moment and celebrate with our people."
Vozinha, 40, was the biggest star with a number of spectacular saves which also made him a social media hit with now more than 26 million followers on Instagram, after only a few thousand before the tournament.
Coach Bubista added: "We showed that we may be a small country but we can play against the best teams in the world, That's a reason for pride. We made history for our country. They can be proud for representing our country." - BERNAMA
