Cape Verde became the smallest country in history to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup, before gunfire erupted as crowds of fans celebrated in Massachusetts
AT least four people were shot as crowds celebrated World Cup minnows Cape Verde reaching the knockout stages.
Gunfire erupted as jubilant fans gathered in Brockton, Massachusetts, after the team drew 0-0 against Saudi Arabia to finish runner-up in Group H behind European Champions Spain – and knockout South American giants Uruguay.
The island nation – with just 525,000 inhabitants – became the smallest in history to reach the knockout stages where they will face reigning world champions Argentina in Miami on Friday. The result sparked huge celebrations in the city of Brockton which is home to the biggest Cape Verdean population in the US.
The Brockton Police Department said it ‘received multiple reports of gunfire’.
“Officers responded to the intersection of Main Street and Park Street and found at least four people with gunshot wounds,” the department said in a statement. All four victims were transported to hospital, police said. Their conditions were not immediately clear. There were no reports of any arrests.
Police are probing if the injuries resulted from supporters shooting in the air in celebration. The tiny nation – made up of 10 islands – stunned football by emerging from its group with three draws to remain unbeaten at the tournament.
Players stood by a mobile phone on the pitch at the end of their match with Saudi Arabia to watch the final moments of Spain’s 1-0 win over Uruguay – which eliminated the two-time world champions.
Cape Verde secured a thrilling goalless draw in their opening game against Spain – where 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha was the hero – and followed it up with a 2-2 draw against Uruguay.
Vozinha’s mum Ana Candida Evora was in the crowd waving the national flag as her son signed autographs. Spain’s former World Cup winner Juan Mata said on ITV: “It’s incredible what they are doing.
“It wasn’t just one game against Spain, it is three games at the highest level.”
Cape Verde qualified for the tournament ahead of five-time African champions Cameroon.