Dublin town host street party for only Irishman playing at World Cup

Some scenes!

The 33-year-old has been a mainstay in Bubista's squad having featured in all of the Blue Shark's World Cup qualifying fixtures.

Lopes, who qualifies for Cape Verde through his Father, received a surprise party send-off party from family and friends in Crumlin on Sunday. (You can view the clip below).

The Dublin native thought he was meeting his parents for dinner but instead was greeted on the streets of Crumlin with Cape Verde flags.

"Pico" received his first call-up through LinkedIn. Initially the five-time League of Ireland winner thought it was a hoax.

"I started the account for college years ago and used it sparingly," Lopes told Sky Sports.

"You would get these spam messages and I just thought this was another one. Thankfully, he wrote back in English. That is what set me off on this incredible adventure."

Speaking on his international football exploits the Rovers defender said: "I am going to places that I would never have gone to on holiday.

"Seeing the appreciation they have for what they have, it has opened my mind. I am eager now to try new things.

"I am so eager to learn the language and the culture, learn about Africa as a continent.”

Fast forward to today he is preparing to face Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia on the grandest of stages.

Speaking to RTE News Lopes said: "The support has been unbelievable, from the Cape Verde fans, and back here from League of Ireland fans, family, and friends.

"Matches don’t come much bigger than Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, which will be a game where both teams will feel they can get something out of."

Roberto Lopes starts his World Cup journey against Spain on the 15th of June. Can the Crumlin born defender make more history?