Cape Verde World Cup history was made in Houston as the debutants drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia and reached the round of 32.
Cape Verde World Cup history was made in Houston as the debutants drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia and reached the round of 32.
Cape Verde had already put themselves in position after draws with Spain and Uruguay, and they finished the job with a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia. Spain's 1-0 win over Uruguay sent Cape Verde through as Group H runners-up on three points.
The result makes them the smallest nation by population to reach the World Cup knockout stage. They will face Argentina in Miami on July 3.
At full-time, Cape Verde's players and staff gathered around phones to follow the other Group H match. When Spain's result came through, the celebration began on the pitch and in the stands.
Bubista said the result showed what a small nation can do. “We have become an example that small countries also can achieve big objectives, provided that they have focus and determination,” he said. “We have shown that nothing is impossible.”
Deroy Duarte said the moment felt unreal. “I feel like I’m in a dream,” he said. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always dreamed of playing in a World Cup.”
Dailon Livramento said Cape Verde tried to stick to its own approach against Saudi Arabia. “We tried to play football; we tried to play our own style,” he said. “This was the match where we were able to show that.”
Cape Verde looked the likelier side for long spells and created the better chances, but they did not find a finish. Laros Duarte had one of the clearest openings, while Willy Semedo went close early on and Jamiro Monteiro also threatened after the break.
Saudi Arabia's best first-half effort came from Mohamed Kanno, whose header was held by Vozinha. Cape Verde finished with 15 attempts, and the match ended scoreless.
Cape Verde drew all three group games, after earlier goalless and 2-2 results against Spain and Uruguay. That gave them the three points needed to finish ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, who were both eliminated with two points.
It is the first time a World Cup debutant has reached the knockout stage since Slovakia in 2010. For Cape Verde, the next step is Argentina and Lionel Messi in Miami.
