Rotterdam, home to 25,000 Cape Verdeans, witnessed an unforgettable World Cup match as 1,600 fans gathered in a beer garden to watch Cape Verde face defending champions Argentina. The game ended in a bittersweet 3-2 defeat, but the pride and emotion were palpable among the diaspora.
Rotterdam's Role in Cape Verde's World Cup Journey
Six players from the Cape Verde side were born in Rotterdam, nearly 5,000km from their parents' islands. Five of them played against Argentina. After a draw with Saudi Arabia took Cape Verde into the last 32, the streets of Rotterdam were filled with honking cars, flags, and dancing. The city is often called the 10th island of Cape Verde.
Jeffry Fortes, a former Cape Verde international, was among the 1,600 fans at Club Annabel. The 37-year-old right-back, born in Rotterdam to a dock-worker father, earned 26 caps before a falling-out with the football federation ended his involvement in 2023. "As a professional footballer it's a disappointment to be on the sidelines," he said. "But as a Cape Verdean, I'm prouder than ever. This is the biggest and best moment ever."
A Rollercoaster of Emotions
The match saw Cape Verde equalize through Rotterdam-born Deroy Duarte, sparking disbelief and celebration. Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina's lead, but Sidny Lopes Cabral, also born in Rotterdam, curled the ball past Emiliano Martínez to level again. The beer garden erupted. However, Diney Borges headed Argentina back in front, leaving fans frustrated but proud. "No one in the world knew us. Now we're in the spotlight," Fortes added.
From Humble Beginnings to World Stage
Fortes and his friends were among the first from Rotterdam to play for Cape Verde. Tony Varela, a former Sparta player and PSV academy coach, recalled how the team used to fly to Europe and back for away games in Africa to save costs. "Most of our players were playing in the islands' own league. That has completely changed. Now they play in Europe. We have professional chefs, video analysts, everything," he said.
Deeper Meaning for the Diaspora
Jerzy Rocha Livramento, known as Jerr, a rapper from Broederliefde, emphasized the significance. "Our parents came here in the 60s looking for a better life and the country they left is still lagging behind. Hopefully this brings more tourists, investors and prosperity. Not the players from Portugal or anywhere else, but the boys from Rotterdam made this happen. They gave something back after our parents left the country."
After hugs, tears, and handshakes, Fortes headed home in the small hours, with a pre-season friendly against a local amateur team just 12 hours away.
