Tie throws soccer world – and Dorchester – into World Cup frenzy
The Cabo Verde National soccer team made its historic World Cup debut in Atlanta on Monday afternoon, and two hours later made more history with a David vs. Goliath performance, playing powerhouse Spain to a scoreless tie that shocked the world of international soccer and sent the streets of Dorchester from Bowdoin-Geneva to Fields Corner to Uphams Corner into a frenzy.
World Cup officials said no team ranked as low as Cabo Verde (No. 67) had ever tied or beaten a team as high as Spain is this year (No. 2).
Sofia Semedo covers her face in shock and emotion as the last few seconds tick off and the historic game becomes official. Seth Daniel photo.
The news was greeted with jubilation at Restaurant Cesária on Bowdoin Street, at the official city Watch Party on Town Field, and throughout the neighborhood, where Cape Verdean flags flew on cars and on homes.
“Spain was in for a surprise, and they got it; we played with the strength of the volcano,” said Tony Barros, owner of Cesária, who was alluding to the volcanic island of Fogo, the most populated of the ten-island archipelago.
“We’re gonna get some respect from this first game. We played with courage and strength and all our hearts. I believe they felt the energy of all these places like [Cesária] and all of us with them.”
At a nearby table, Dorchester’s Maria Rodrigues was feeling a mix of emotion.
“Oh, my God, I think I’m going to die,” she said. “I have a headache. It’s just historic for us. We took on the big team, and we were good.”
The official FIFA Community Watch Festival brought numerous Cape Verdean fans to Town Field, where they witnessed World Cup history while on the edge of their seats. Cassidy McNeeley photo.
At Town Field in Fields Corner on Monday, the city held an official FIFA community watch party with a large LED screen situated so that everyone could watch the game. Mayor Michelle Wu made an appearance, and many took to the park to see the game, though the numbers heavily favored Cape Verde fans.
Clutching Cape Verdean blue and red flags, and on pins and needles for the last hour of the game, several said they couldn’t believe it.
“It is huge! Against Spain?! That’s huge! That means we can compete,” said Dunia Paiva, a 39-year-old from Dorchester who immigrated from Cabo Verde in 2012. “The best part of the game today was all the parts because it was an amazing game. Everybody played so hard, but of course, our goalkeeper. I hope we can win the next game and go to the next stage.”
Added Alex Monteiro Leith, “Oh my gosh, we just tied the best team in the world. We can do anything. We might be the best team in the world.”
Mayor Michelle Wu, donned in a Cabo Verde National team jersey, made an appearance at the Town Field Watch Party Monday afternoon. Cassidy McNeeley photo.
Dorchester’s Gilmara Alzes said it was “something that’s so big for our country. It’s a feeling you can’t explain.”
Radio personality Casimiro Moreno, who was at Cesária, had a similar feeling. “I can’t speak,” he said. “I don’t know. I’m so happy now. I’m going to cry man. It’s just so historic.”
Getting a great deal of attention was the aforementioned goalkeeper, Josimar Jose Evora Dias, known affectionately as “Vozinha.” Making so many saves against Spain’s potent offense, the 40-year-old showed courage, all the fans noted.
“Vozinha was definitely the MVP of the game – so many great saves,” said Barros. “He was incredible. It was a team effort, but he’s our MVP.”
Restaurant Cesária owner Tony Barros with Joseph Brandao after the historic game. Seth Daniel photo.
For most of the fans at Cesaria or Town Field, their feeling came from the pride of having never qualified for the World Cup in 50 years and then coming out of the gate like a furious “Blue Shark” – the team’s nickname.
“We are a very small country, but we have persevered through a lot,” said Bibia Ramos. “This is so big for us. Even if we don’t win this, just being here in this moment is a big deal. What they did was amazing.”
The Cabo Verde National Team will play Uruguay on June 21 in Miami at 6 p.m. The game can be seen in community at the Dorchester Watchfest in Dot Tire, 1150 Dorchester Ave., during the Sunday Funday.
Dorchester’s Ordisa Tomar shows her Cabo Verde soccer scarf with pride minutes after the game on Bowdoin Street. Seth Daniel photo.
Cassidy McNeeley also authoried this piece.
