Cape Verde Receive Hero's Welcome Despite FIFA World Cup Heartbreak | In Pictures

Thousands of ecstatic supporters gathered at Praia International Airport on Sunday, July 5, to welcome Cape Verde's Blue Sharks home, celebrating their brilliant FIFA World Cup campaign despite a narrow loss to Argentina. Waving flags and banners, fans hailed the team for one of the tournament's most inspiring underdog performances (Picture credit: AFP)

The Blue Sharks are all set to be honoured with a winning parade through the streets of the capital, Praia, before meeting the nation's president and other senior government officials in the small West African archipelago country (Picture credit: AFP)

Cape Verde exceeded all expectations on their FIFA World Cup debut, reaching the knockout stages and capturing the imagination of supporters at home while winning admirers across the globe with their brilliant run (Picture credit: AFP)

In a thrilling Round of 32 clash in Miami, Cape Verde pushed reigning world champions Argentina to the limit before going down 3-2 after extra time. The team's homecoming coincided with Cape Verde's Independence Day as well, adding to the celebrations despite the narrow loss (Picture credit: AP)

Speaking to reporters after the team landed, Cape Verde head coach Bubista said: "We proved our FIFA World Cup qualification was no fluke. We showed hard work, resilience and character, and we leave the United States with our heads held high" (Picture credit: AP)

Supporters clad in the team's blue colours waited for a glimpse of their heroes, Sidny Lopes Cabral and Vozinha. 12-year-old Ivan Goncalves said that he was excited to see Cabral after his 'fabulous goal against Argentina' (Picture credit: AFP)

Minister of Culture and Sports Antonio Duarte lauded the Blue Sharks and head coach Bubista for 'cementing Cape Verde's status as a great nation'. Despite the loss to Argentina, celebrations broke out across Praia in the early hours of Saturday, July 4, as fans celebrated the team's fairytale FIFA World Cup journey and their spirited display against the reigning champions (Picture credit: AP)