Cape Verde: The big party is followed by Messi as a reward

Time enough to enjoy the unexpected success. “It’s just crazy. I think I’m living in a dream,” Deroy Duarte said. “Now there’s a big party going on. The whole of Cape Verde is happy today.” It didn’t take long for the celebratory images to appear. A video of the players dancing from the dressing room made the rounds online. Even at home, people celebrated their new heroes in the streets.

“Grandma” is also celebrating

One of these heroes goes by the name Vozinha (which translates as “grandma”), is 40 years young and stands in goal. After the 0-0 draw against Spain, he became an internet star overnight and now has more followers than many Hollywood stars. His mother celebrated with him in the stands. If he has his way, the fairy tale is far from over. He is already looking forward to Argentina – and Messi: “He is the greatest footballer of all time. Being on the pitch with Messi is a dream, and one day I will proudly tell my children that I played against him.” He wants to do everything he can to prevent Messi from scoring a goal against him. His challenge to the world champion: “We may be small, but we have a big heart – and we are fighters.”

“Cape Verde – that’s the story of the tournament so far,” said TV expert Thierry Henry. But what are the biggest World Cup sensations of all? There were, for example South Korea and the Türkiye 2002, the Turks won the game for third place against the co-hosts. Or Moroccowhich came fourth four years ago. achieved in 1966 North Korea after a win against Italy the quarter-finals. 1990 danced Cameroon with Roger Milla to the quarter-finals.