Despite a meteoric rise from a FIFA ranking of 155th out of 204 nations a decade ago to 70th in 2013, a notch below Scotland, Cape Verde seemed unlikely to emerge from the group stage, where it was drawn against two former champions, South Africa and Morocco.

WSJ: Cape Verde's Surprise

High-ranking dignitaries will include UN secretary general Kofi Annan, South African President, Thabo Mbeki, Fifa chief Sepp Blatter and German legend Franz Beckenbauer.

BBC: SPORT | Football | African | Stars in Germany for 2010 party