Cape Verde's World Cup run sparks pride in Bridgeport
Connecticut’s Cape Verdean community is celebrating another historic result at the World Cup after Cape Verde earned a draw against Uruguay, after tying tournament favorite Spain last week.
The result continues a remarkable run for the “Blue Sharks,” who have gone unbeaten against two top-20 teams in the tournament. Supporters gathered in Bridgeport erupted in celebration after Cape Verde scored its first-ever World Cup goal.
Armando Barbosa of Seymour said the team’s success has been unlike anything he has experienced.
“I’m like speechless. I felt like I got a lot of confidence from our last game,” he said.
For many Cape Verdeans in Connecticut, the tournament has become a source of pride. The state is home to the third-largest community in the United States, and the team’s performance is putting the island nation of about half a million people, located off the coast of West Africa, in the international soccer spotlight.
Ana Barbosa Sharp of Bridgeport said the moment carries special meaning for generations of Cape Verdean families.
“Just imagine, our children and our grandchildren. I’m so proud to be alive at this moment because my mom didn’t get to see this,” she said.
Cape Verde’s run includes a draw against Spain, one of the tournament favorites, and now a draw against Uruguay is giving supporters reason to believe the team can continue its success.
Barbosa said the team’s resilience has inspired fans.
“They overcame everything and all of a sudden, everybody’s got energy. Everybody’s playing well,” he said.
Regardless of the outcome of future matches, many Cape Verdeans in Bridgeport said the team’s performance has already given them a reason to celebrate their heritage.
Antonio Cruz, president of the Cape Verdean Association of Bridgeport, said the team has demonstrated what the country is capable of on the world stage.
“We showed that even though we’re a small country, we have a big heart and we dare to compete,” he said.
With two strong results against World Cup powers, supporters said they believe the Blue Sharks’ story is far from over. Cruz offered a simple message for what comes next.
“Pray and never lose faith,” he said.
From breaking news and local politics to art exhibitions, live music, high school sports, small businesses, and cultural events, we celebrate the people and places that make Connecticut unique.