Having already made history with its maiden FIBA Basketball World Cup appearance in Okinawa, tiny Cape Verde etched its name in the record books again Monday by becoming the smallest country to ever win a game at the tournament.
Representing the African island nation of less than 600,000 people, head coach Emanuel Trovoada's 64th-ranked team upset No. 17 Venezuela 81-75 at Okinawa Arena, sparking animated celebrations among players and fans.
Cape Verde had become the smallest nation to play at the tournament two days earlier when it faced Georgia in its Group F opener. Although the European side prevailed 85-60, Cape Verde's vocal fans continued to loudly support their team throughout the milestone game.