Cape Verdeans celebrate historic draw against Spain at World Cup

Thousands of Cape Verdeans filled the streets of the capital, Praia, on Monday after the national football team, the Blue Sharks, held European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw in their opening match of the World Cup. The result, though a share of the points, was celebrated as a historic achievement for the small island nation of about half a million people, which is competing in the tournament for the first time.

"It was an emotional moment," said Isa Conceição, a supporter watching the match from a packed fan zone. Dressed in the blue national team jersey, she added: "Being a small country and being able to achieve such a good result against Spain, a football powerhouse, is the greatest feeling ever."

Wild celebrations across the capital

At the final whistle, much of the island nation erupted in celebration. The streets of Praia shook to the deafening sounds of vuvuzelas, chants, and car horns. Men, women, and children danced to the rhythm of the official World Cup song released by the Cape Verdean Football Federation. As the beats of "nos óra dja txiga" — Cape Verdean Creole for "our time has come" — played through the fan zone, supporters chanted along, many waving the national flag.

Across several neighbourhoods, flags were hoisted on windows, balconies, and rooftops. Vehicle owners joined the revelry with symbolic honks and screams, many waving flags or hanging them from car windows.

Underdogs defy expectations

Cape Verde qualified for the World Cup by edging continental giants Cameroon, a feat that already marked a milestone. The squad entered the tournament as underdogs in Group H, alongside two former World Cup winners — Spain and Uruguay. The defensive campaign against Spain raised hopes among citizens that the team might advance beyond the group stage.

"I thought Spain was going to win the match, but the energy, the speed of Cape Verde was just amazing," said a Congolese supporter visiting the islands for the first time. France-based visitor Pauline attributed the performance to the fact that the team "played with their hearts." "That's all that matters," she said.

Many foreigners in the archipelago, which attracts about a million tourists annually to its idyllic beaches and landscapes, were also rooting for Cape Verde.

Looking ahead

Cape Verde will face Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in their remaining group fixtures, which will determine their fate in the tournament. Even if they fail to advance, many citizens told the BBC they will remain proud of the players' contribution to lifting the country's image.

Additional reporting by the BBC's Michel Mvondo in Praia.