Thousands of jubilant supporters turned out to welcome Cape Verde's national football team home after their historic World Cup campaign. The airport grounds in the capital Praia turned into a carnival scene with fans banging drums, dancing, chanting, and waving the national flag.

The Blue Sharks were eliminated from the tournament after a thrilling match against reigning champions Argentina. Goalkeeper Vozinha (real name Josimar José Évora Dias) told the BBC: 'It is a very great moment for us to be here with our people. We wanted something bigger but we didn't go to the next stage. Now we just enjoy the moment and celebrate with our people.'

One supporter said she attended the homecoming to show gratitude to the team, which represented the World Cup's second-smallest nation and had never played in the tournament before, yet held their own against giants like Spain and Uruguay.

Fans chanted Vozinha's name and that of other stars like centre-back Pico Lopes, as players signed football tops. The homecoming coincided with Cape Verde's independence day, celebrating 51 years since the end of Portuguese colonial rule.

Cape Verde entered the World Cup ranked 67th but secured three group-stage draws, including holding European champions Spain 0-0. Against Argentina, they came from behind to level at 1-1, then again after extra time, before a cruel own goal by Diney Borges sealed their fate.

Coach Pedro Leitão Brito (Bubista) expressed pride: 'We showed that we may be a small country but we can play against the best teams in the world. That's a reason for pride. We made history for our country.'

Source: www.bbc.co.uk