Now the flag is everywhere': how World Cup success has changed life in Cape Verde

World Cup success has turned Cape Verde’s “Blue Sharks” into a national catalyst, with the flag now visible across island communities as they prepare for a knockout match. The team, who become the smallest nation in World Cup history to reach the knockout phase, drew 0-0 with Spain and then advanced after earlier momentum including Kevin Pina’s goal against Uruguay. On Friday, they face Argentina in Miami. The article describes how the Festival da Gamboa on Santiago Island transformed into one of the country’s biggest World Cup watch parties during the match against Saudi Arabia. Thousands gathered for the final group game, which ended 0-0, and celebrations ran long past the festival’s 8am close. Cape Verde’s campaign has also boosted goalkeeper Vozinha’s Instagram following by 17.5 million in two weeks. Across Praia and other islands, free fan zones and match-day festivities have spread widely.