World Cup newcomers Cape Verde have booked a sensational place in the knockout stage after a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia on Friday.
The result in Houston, coupled with Spain’s narrow 1-0 victory over Uruguay, saw the African island nation finish second in Group H behind Spain.
Ranked 67th in the world before the tournament, Cape Verde completed the group stage unbeaten with three draws and now face defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, in Miami on July 3.
Spain topped the group with seven points, while Cape Verde advanced with three. Uruguay and Saudi Arabia were both eliminated after collecting two points each.
Spain will now take on the runners-up from Group J, with Algeria and Austria still battling for that spot.
Cape Verde coach Bubista rotated his squad heavily for the decisive clash, making changes to half of the starting lineup. However, veteran goalkeeper Vozinha kept his place between the posts.
The 40-year-old has been one of the standout performers of the tournament for Cape Verde. He played a crucial role in their historic 0-0 draw against European champions Spain in their opening match, producing a string of important saves.
The island nation, located off Africa’s west coast and home to just over 500,000 people, then earned another impressive result with a 2-2 draw against two-time world champions Uruguay.
Those performances left Cape Verde with a realistic chance of reaching the knockout rounds heading into the meeting with Saudi Arabia, who also still had hopes of progressing.
Meanwhile, Spain and Uruguay battled in Guadalajara in what turned out to be one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.
Cape Verde looked the more threatening side for large periods of the first half against Saudi Arabia, who had earlier drawn 1-1 with Uruguay before suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Spain.
Saudi Arabia were dealt a setback in the 33rd minute when experienced defender Hassan Al-Tambakti had to be stretchered off due to injury.
Cape Verde have reached the World Cup knockout stages on their debut appearance in the tournament. PHOTO/ GETTY IMAGES