The streets of Cape Verde’s capital, Praia, shook to the deafening sounds of vuvuzelas, chants and car horns, after the Blue Sharks held European champions Spain to a 0‑0 draw in their World Cup opener.
Though the sides shared the points, for many Cape Verdeans it felt more like a win.
“It was an emotional moment,” said Isa Conceição, a supporter who was watching the match from a packed fan zone. She, like thousands of others, wore a blue national team jersey to show pride in her country’s World Cup exploits.
The island nation erupted in wild celebrations at the final whistle, and the word "nos óra dja txiga" – Cape Verdean Creole for "our time has come" – filled the air as people chanted in excitement with flags flying.
Cape Verde, a small country of about half a million people, had qualified for the World Cup for the first time and the scoreless draw against the football behemoth of Spain was seen as a meaningful step forward.
The squad entered the tournament as underdogs against former World Cup winners Spain and Uruguay in Group H. Their performance, many said, was built on playing with heart and energy.
Local supporters and foreigners alike celebrated, hoisting flags on windows, balconies and rooftops, while vehicles performed symbolic honks and flags fluttered from car windows.
Even if they do not advance beyond the group stage, the pride in the players’ contribution to the country’s image remains strong among the populace.
