Crumlin gripped by World Cup fever as dream becomes a reality for Pico Lopes’s parents (opens original article in a new tab)

Pico Lopes, a Crumlin-born footballer, will play in the World Cup for Cape Verde, marking a historic moment as the first active League of Ireland player to participate in the tournament. His family and community celebrate his achievement, with Cape Verde overcoming challenges to qualify.

• Pico Lopes, a League of Ireland footballer, will play in the World Cup for Cape Verde, making him the first active League of Ireland player to do so.
• Cape Verde defeated African giants Cameroon to qualify for the World Cup, despite having a population of 530,000.
• Crumlin residents celebrate Pico Lopes's World Cup appearance with Cape Verde flags and a photo of him as an eight-year-old playing football.