It was a draw that felt like a major win.
The Cape Verdean faithful came out to Downtown Pawtucket this Monday to watch their national team make its first World Cup appearance and take on a soccer powerhouse.
Few gave the team from the small nation off the western coast of Africa any hope against Spain.
But a large concentration of that hope was across the street from the historic Pawtucket City Hall, and its failing tower.
Music, booze, and tents gave it an outdoors concert feel, and the main act was a large television projection over the stage.
But unlike modern television, the attendees weren’t on their phones.
Unless of course you count, their filming the completely improbably tie the Cape Verdean team had taken to the second half.
Then the remaining minutes went to single digits, then extra time.
The crowd hand an audible tension, one that screamed “please just hold on.”
And finally, the ref blew the whistle. There was a beat as most wanted to make sure they heard what they heard- and then, an explosion of relief, joy, pride, and victory.
Right on que, the DJ started the music and the crowd reached elation.
Strangers and friends alike hugged- flags were waved, and a little country off the African coast announced itself to the world.
Yeah- a very successful afternoon the city planners too.
