Pico Lopes gets hero's welcome at Dublin Airport after Cape Verde's fairytale World Cup run

Pico Lopes returned to Ireland to a hero’s welcome after helping Cape Verde reach the knockout stages at the country’s first-ever men’s World Cup. The Shamrock Rovers defender arrived at Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2 on Tuesday afternoon, greeted by friends, family, supporters, and family members including his wife Leah and his parents. Lopes, born in Crumlin and eligible for Cape Verde through his father, emerged as a standout as the island nation progressed from a group that included Spain and Uruguay and then pushed world champions Argentina to a Round of 32 tie. Argentina won 3-2 after extra time, following two comebacks by Cape Verde. Lopes, 34, was widely praised, including for performances against Messi and Argentina. Cape Verde’s squad received an emotional reception in Praia a day earlier. Lopes is expected to rejoin Stephen Bradley’s side, which sits seven points clear in the League of Ireland Premier Division.