A historic reception for the Cape Verde national team.

Thousands of fans welcomed the Cape Verde national team, nicknamed the "Blue Sharks," today, Sunday, holding banners at Praia Airport upon the team's return after their honorable loss to Argentina 2-3 in one of the most astonishing World Cup matches.

The "Blue Sharks" are preparing for a celebratory parade in the streets of the capital before meeting with the President and other members of the government of this small archipelagic country located in West Africa.

The Cape Verde national team qualified for the knockout stages in their first World Cup appearance, bringing joy to their fans and gaining global popularity after exceeding expectations with their results.

In an epic match in the Round of 32 in Miami, the Cape Verde team nearly eliminated Argentina, but the defending champions snatched victory 3-2 in extra time.

The team's arrival home coincided with Cape Verde's Independence Day.

Fan Edmilson Correa (28 years old) told AFP from the airport crowds: "After the heroes who fought for our independence, we now have these heroes, the Blue Sharks."

Pedro Litao Brito "Bobista," the coach of the Cape Verde national team, spoke to the press after his arrival, saying: "We proved that our qualification for the World Cup was not a coincidence. We showed perseverance and determination, and we left the United States with our heads held high."

Fans dressed in the team's blue uniform were eager to see their stars like Sidney Lopes Cabral and goalkeeper Vozinha.

Twelve-year-old Ivan Gonsalves said he was specifically looking for Cabral because of "his amazing goal against Argentina."

Antonio Duarte, the Minister of Culture and Sports, praised the "Blue Sharks" and their coach for "establishing Cape Verde's status as a great nation."

Despite the team's loss to Lionel Messi's teammates, celebrations began in Praia early Saturday, as fans celebrated this fairy-tale journey and the narrow defeat against the world champions.

Cape Verde, a country with a population of only 500,000, celebrated the 51st anniversary of its independence from Portugal, which ruled the country for 500 years, on Sunday.