"On 5 July 1975, the Cape Verdean flag was raised for the first time at Estadio da Varzea in the capital city of Praia, marking the nation's declaration of independence from Portugal. At that moment, there was no national football team and no sign of what was to come. Exactly 100 days after the 50th anniversary of independence, the same flag was waved at the very same ground, where crowds gathered to celebrate Cape Verde's historic first World Cup qualification"
"A crowd had watched the game on a big screen outside, and a stage had been set up inside in preparation for a hoped-for party. People flocked there after the match, the players turning up after a period in their hotel. Fans celebrate in the stands at Estadio Nacional in Praia, Cape Verde. Photograph: Cristiano Barbosa/AP Fans flooded the pitch and some of the squad joined top Cape Verdean music artists on stage, singing and dancing late into the night."
On 5 July 1975 the Cape Verdean flag was first raised at Estadio da Varzea in Praia to mark independence from Portugal; there was no national football team then. Exactly 100 days after the 50th anniversary of independence the same ground hosted celebrations after Cape Verde secured its first-ever World Cup qualification following a decisive 3-0 win over Eswatini. The island nation, with a population under 600,000, became the second-smallest country to qualify after Iceland. Estadio da Varzea and nearby venues filled with jubilant, mostly young fans; players joined musicians on stage and fireworks lit the sky.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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