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Miami, United States – When Prieto Fernandes first arrived in the United States 40 years ago, he found that no one had heard of his home country, Cape Verde, and only a few could find it on a map.
On Friday, the 65-year-old walked out of Miami Stadium wearing a proud face and a Cape Verde shirt just before leaving an unforgettable mark at the World Cup despite a heartbreaking 3-2 extra-time defeat to reigning champions Argentina.
“Now, the whole world knows about Cabo Verde – it’s how you say it, not Cape Verde,” he said using the country’s Portuguese name, a satisfied smile and a twinkle in his eye.
“We do everything with a big heart and it’s there for everyone to see.”
Fernandez and his family walked out with their heads held high as they received congratulatory messages and handshakes from fans as they passed by.
Despite being eliminated in the Round of 32, the first team’s journey from near obscurity to becoming World Cup favorites has made their fans proud.
Fernandes’ wife, 60-year-old Elizabeth Fernandes, said: “I can’t describe the feeling of this moment,” shaking her head.
Cape Verde, located on the Atlantic Ocean in western Africa, consists of 10 islands known for their white sandy beaches and clear waters.
The islands have a population of around 500,000, with expatriates numbering a few hundred as members. The late singer and Grammy Award winner Caesarea Evora is the most famous Cape Verdean singer in the world, who is considered the founder of the country’s music temperature style of music around the world.
Last year’s World Cup record win for the Blue Sharks – as the team is called – coincided with the 50th anniversary of Cape Verde’s independence from Portugal.
Cape Verde entered the tournament ranked 64th in the world – and with the mystery surrounding their team.
But popular soccer fans first noticed when Cape Verde held European champions Spain to a goalless attack in the opening match of the International Committee on June 15. Goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, played a great game and made seven important saves and shot to the record straight away. celebrities in the media with over 20 million followers.
The team drew 2-2 with former World Cup champions Uruguay, bringing hopes of the last 32. In their final group game against Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde played a goalless draw, and the result was enough to qualify them for the clash and kick off the home celebrations.
“Meeting amazing teams like Spain, Uruguay and Argentina, who won several World Cups between them, and doing well in their first World Cup showed the team’s character,” said Jessica Fernandes, who grew up in the US but visits Cape Verde regularly.
“The whole culture in Cape Verde revolves around soccer,” added Jessica, who played in college. “So it was great to see the team qualify for the World Cup, but what they have achieved and the way they have played has been amazing.”
Nearby, fellow Cape Verdean fan Doreys Vega was also happy.
Like many Cape Verdean fans living in the US, the team’s run at the World Cup has given the 33-year-old Florida resident a sense of belonging on the big show where the country of her birth will host the tournament.
“I love what this group has done for our country,” said Vega, a lawyer from Fogo Island in Cape Verde.
While Cape Verde were beaten by the world’s second-ranked defenders, Vega said the team’s performance had defied those who had predicted an easy victory for Argentina.
“People doubted us,” Vega said. “They told us we had a 1 percent chance of winning but we were equal to Lionel Messi’s team.”
With interest in the country now on the rise, Vega spoke passionately about Cape Verde’s rich culture despite its small size. He said many people are looking for the most popular food in the country, cachupa.
“It is a mixture of corn and beans, which is cooked as a stew and can be eaten at any time of the meal,” he said.
“I like to have it in the morning with eggs,” Vega said, adding that people back home can eat breakfast and stay up late to watch their team in the World Cup.
“There will be many celebrations at home after this incredible run,” he said.
But the fun events were not limited to the small island.
“We’re going to beat Florida tonight,” Vega said in an angry tone as he cheered for his team.
“I don’t know where I will be but wherever it is, I will be representing Cape Verde with my shirt. We lit the World Cup for three weeks and now it’s time to shine in Florida.”
