Cape Verde performance in the tournament, and its players’ stories, showed just why football was called the beautiful game, and a great equaliser.

Despite being knocked out of the World Cup after a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Argentina in the Round of 32 match last week, Cape Verde's performance has ensured it had etched its place on the world football map.

Just as Cape Verde was lining up against the defending champions, Argentina, their head coach Bubista was continuing his tradition of handing gifts to opposition coaches. Bubista’s team has gone from an unknown island to one of the most loved underdogs at the World Cup thanks to excellent performances on the field and even more heartwarming stories off the field.

Sidny Lopes Cabral's goal was a remarkable World Cup moment Darrian Traynor/Getty Images MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The most accomplished football player in history raised his hands to his head and stroked his hair in pure disbelief of what he had just seen.

For decades, the west African island nation of Cape Verde was perhaps best known for the music of late singer Cesária Évora. This summer, however, the Atlantic archipelago has gained fame for a different reason: football.