Tens of thousands of supporters turned Praia International Airport into a jubilant welcome for the Cape Verde national football team, with players including Josimar José Évora Dias and Pico Lopes signing autographs and greeting fans.The Blue Sharks were eliminated by Argentina in extra time after pushing the reigning champions and advanced from a group with Spain and Uruguay in their first World Cup, a run that galvanized the islands.The return coincided with the islands' independence anniversary, and Manager
Pedro Leitão Brito and the federation said they would organize further public events and a formal civic reception to honor the squad.