'It's like we won the World Cup': Cabo Verde delights in Spain shock

Cabo Verde's supporters erupted in jubilation following the final whistle of their World Cup debut match, a 0-0 draw against powerhouse Spain that stands as the tournament's most significant shock result to date. The African nation's fans in Boston, which hosts the largest Cabo Verdean community in the United States, shared their overwhelming pride after watching the game at a city center fan zone.

“

Oh my God, it's like we won the World Cup!

"Oh my God, it's like we won the World Cup!" exclaimed Elizabeth dos Santos, 50, a bank assistant manager who emigrated from Cabo Verde at age 14. "Everybody was expecting Spain to beat us. We proved them wrong. We're small but we have a big heart."

Gabi Vieira, a 28-year-old pre-school teacher, echoed the sentiment of pride, marveling at Cabo Verde's ability to hold the reigning European champions, who won the World Cup in 2010, to a draw. "It's our first time in the World Cup and we came here with no expectations," Vieira said. "We always carry our flag with pride, but today and this month more than ever because everybody is going to be able to see our flag and hear our country's name."

“

Everybody was expecting Spain to beat us. We proved them wrong. We're small but we have a big heart.

Looking ahead to Cabo Verde's next group game against Uruguay, Vieira offered a playful piece of advice rooted in national tradition. "We're going to eat some cachupa and we're going to be able to defeat them," she said, referring to the traditional West African island nation's hearty stew of meat or fish. "Eat some cachupa, that's our secret."

“

It's our first time in the World Cup and we came here with no expectations.

The draw not only signifies a monumental achievement for Cabo Verde's football team but also serves as a powerful moment of national identity and celebration for its diaspora worldwide. The team's underdog spirit and impressive performance have captured the attention of the global football community.

“

We always carry our flag with pride, but today and this month more than ever because everybody is going to be able to see our flag and hear our country's name.